For Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis, patience, loyalty to party leadership and strategic acumen pay off
Devendra Fadnavis, the political stalwart who rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Maharashtra politics, is set to become chief minister — a position he has held twice before. The 54-year-old leader, whose career has been marked by a blend of resilience and strategic manoeuvring, is positioned to lead the state for the third time following a decisive showing of the BJP in the November 20 assembly polls, and his election as leader of the state BJP legislature party on Wednesday.
Fadnavis' political journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From serving as an obscure corporator to becoming the youngest mayor of Nagpur, he has strengthened his status as a prominent leader within his party. Notably, he is only the second Brahmin to serve as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, following the Shiv Sena's Manohar Joshi.
His ascent began in earnest ahead of the 2014 assembly elections, where he garnered significant support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leader Amit Shah. Modi famously referred to him as «Nagpur's gift to the country» during a campaign rally, underscoring the confidence placed in Fadnavis.
Also Read: Devendra Fadnavis named as Maharashtra Chief Minister; PM Modi invited for oath-taking tomorrow
Though Modi had launched a campaign blitzkrieg in the 2014 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly polls, a portion of the credit also went to Fadnavis, then state BJP president, for the party's unprecedented victories in the elections. Son of Jan Sangh and later BJP leader late
