The BJP is all set to form the next Government in Maharashtra. But the party high command is yet to nominate its man for the Chief Minister’s post. Within party circles, names of leaders such as Devendra Fadnavis, Vinod Tawde and Eknath Khadse are being widely circulated.

Among the three, the 44-year-old Fadnavis has the best chance of becoming the Chief Minister, primarily because of impeccable character, strong RSS grooming and excellent communication skills.

Fadnavis, who is also the serving president of the BJP in Maharashtra, started his career with Municipal Corporation of Nagpur. He was elected as councillor in 1992 and 1997.

He has the unique distinction of being the second youngest Mayor in India and the youngest of Nagpur.

He hails from Nagpur, which is also headquarters of the RSS, and has been associated with the organisation since childhood. His father Gangadharrao Fadnavis was also an RSS pracharak (full-time worker) and member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

He holds a law degree from Nagpur University, a post-graduate degree in Business Management and a Diploma in Project Management from Germany.

He has been an MLA and member of various committees of the State Legislature over the last decade. He is known for his detailed discussion on various policy matters and raising contentious issues on the floor of the house.

In January 2012, the Central Pollution Control Board had drawn up plans to incinerate toxic waste from Union Carbide's Bhopal plant in Maharashtra. They were considering either to dispose of the waste at the DRDO facility in Nagpur or the hazardous waste facility at Taloja, near Mumbai. Fadnavis had given a studied argument in the Assembly against disposing the waste in Maharashtra.

Other contenders

Other than Fadnavis, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Vinod Tawde and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Eknath Khadse are also strong contenders for the Chief Minister’s position.

Tawde is acknowledged for his astute organisational skills and strong grip over the party. He could become a strong contender for the position if he manages to convince top leaders in his favour.

Born in July 1963, in a middle class Maharashtrian family residing in Mumbai, Tawde started his political innings with the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), an RSS affiliate student organisation.

His transition from student politics to party politics was smooth. He climbed the ranks early and was given important assignments by the party. Today, he is the ‘Organisational Man’ for the party, overseeing many outreach programmes.

If for Fadnavis age is on his side, for Eknath Khadse, it could work against his favour. He turned 62 in June and has been having health issues. A know OBC leader from northern Maharashtra, Khadse has good oratory skills and a grip over economic affairs. He has been an MLA since 1995 and Leader of Opposition since 2009.

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