Fadnavis-Bhagwat Meeting Sparks Speculation on Maharashtra Chief Ministerial Bid | Nagpur News – Times of India

NAGPUR: Just hours after voting for assembly polls concluded, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat at Sangh headquarters in Mahal on Wednesday. Dismissing political connotations, Fadnavis told TOI, “Since Bhagwat was in the city, I went to meet him. It was a courtesy visit.”
On exit polls projections that suggest BJP-led Mahayuti was poised to secure 130 to 156 seats which is adequate for govt formation, Fadnavis said, “I do not speculate on exit polls. Let’s wait for final results. We are confident Mahayuti will get a majority.”
Also See: Maharashtra Assembly Elections
Against this background, Fadnavis’ approximately 15-minute meeting with RSS chief triggered curiosity among political analysts with many perceiving it as an attempt to get Sangh’s endorsement for the top post.
Political analysts surmise BJP’s aspiration for the CM’s position, particularly after playing second-fiddle despite having most numbers in the Eknath Shinde regime.
With BJP being projected as the single-largest party in this election, the political equilibrium has altered. Party insiders claimed BJP is disinclined to surrender its claim to head the new govt in Maharashtra. Customarily, BJP consults RSS before finalising crucial leadership decisions, particularly the CM candidate.
Observers hint BJP has demonstrated collaborative disposition with allies. If the party performs the way analysts have projected, it could reinforce its pre-eminence within the alliance.
Earlier in the day, Fadnavis demanded a thorough probe into allegations of bitcoins misappropriation in 2018 cryptocurrency scam against Congress state president Nana Patole and NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule.
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