Devendra Fadnavis meets Nitin Gadkari on Diwali

Maharashtra BJP president Devendra Fadnavis, who is considered front-runner to lead the state as first chief minister of the saffron party, on Thursday met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at the latter's residence here.

Sources described the visit as a courtesy call by Fadnavis to extend Diwali greetings to the senior BJP leader at his residence in Mahal area of the city.

The two leaders spent about half-an-hour together, they said.

However, what transpired between the two leaders could not be immediately known.

Notably, BJP MLAs from Vidarbha region and senior party leader Sudhir Mungantiwar have been pitching for Gadkari for state's chief ministership.

However, Gadkari had earlier clarified his stand not to return to state politics and said it was for the party's central leadership to decide and he will accept any responsibility given to him.

Leader of Opposition in state Legislative Council, Vinod Tawde had yesterday said "there was no race and no competition" for the top post.

"The legislature party will sit and decide it leader. The Central Parliamentary Board will then confirm that person as the leader who will be the Chief Minister," Tawde had said.