Will Devendra Fadnavis be appointed as the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)? Amid speculations that he could replace JP Nadda, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Friday, August 2, dismissed these “rumours” and blamed the media for fuelling the buzz.
When asked about the ongoing discussions regarding taking over the post, Devendra Fadnavis said, “This discussion [about the post of BJP chief] He said, “This has been started by the media. This is only discussed in the media.”
These speculations came into focus after Devendra Fadnavis’ meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Sunday, July 28.
Devendra Fadnavis posted on Instagram, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s blessings have always been with Maharashtra and will always be. Whenever I meet him, I get new energy and his guidance. Today I got the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi with my family. My wife Amrita and daughter Divya were with me. I am very grateful to Prime Minister Modi for giving me his valuable time!”
Devendra Fadnavis, who was accompanied by his wife Amruta and daughter Divija, described the meeting with the Prime Minister as a “courtesy visit”.
JP Nadda, who was made the Union health minister in Narendra Modi’s third term at the Centre, has had his term extended, but the BJP is actively looking for his successor. It has reportedly shortlisted two potential candidates: Vinod Tawde and Devendra Fadnavis.
According to a report, Devendra Fadnavis may resign as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister in the coming weeks and move to Delhi to take up his new role. And if Devendra Fadnavis moves to Delhi, Vinod Tawde may lead the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections, according to the report.
News agency PTI had earlier reported that the BJP is planning to appoint a new national president by December 2024. The election process is set to begin in August. Ahead of the election to elect a national president, the party is likely to conduct a massive membership drive and work on strengthening its district and state units.
