Though there was little doubt that Devendra Fadnavis was the front-runner for Chief Minister, a dramatic twist to the tale looked on the cards when, towards the end, his fellow Nagpurian and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s supporters staged a show of strength.
Mr. Gadkari calmed speculation by clarifying that he did not harbour CM aspirations but the episode exposed the apparent power struggle for Vidarbha within the BJP.
Talking to The Hindu on Monday night, Mr. Fadnavis sought to clear the air saying he enjoyed cordial relations with Mr. Gadkari.
“We go way back. He had a role to play in my political journey,” Mr. Fadnavis said.
When Mr. Fadnavis lost his father when he was just 17, it was Mr. Gadkari, who was mentored by Mr. Fadnavis’ father, who stepped in as his guide.
Speaking after Mr. Fadnavis’ election as the CM-designate, Mr. Gadkari extended his support to him saying the young Chief Minister would give a new direction to Maharashtra.
“We will stand with Maharashtra. It has the full support of the Central government and Prime Minister Modi,” Mr. Gadkari said.
