Many have entered the race and lobbying is going on in right earnest at various levels. BJP state president Devendra Fadnavis, early on Saturday, and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, later in the day, met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Both Gadkari and Fadnavis are from Nagpur and are considered close to the RSS, which has its headquarters in the city.
"I met Sarsarsanghchalaji (Bhagwat). It was a routine visit during Diwali like every year. We discussed many important issues barring Maharashtra politics and chief ministership," Gadkari told reporters after meeting Bhagwat.
The RRS chief's 'say' carries a lot of importance in the formation of the government and choosing of the leader.
"It will be interesting to see who Mr Bhagat backs," said a political observer.
In the meeting of elected BJP legislators on Monday, it will be clear who will lead the BJP in the state because, on Monday, BJP MLAs will choose the leader of the party in the assembly.
Opposition leader Eknath Khadse had been trying to get the coveted post by convincing party heavyweights saying he is a Bahujan and the most experienced and eligible face of BJP in the state. Khdase's supporters had also launched a 'padyatra' demanding that he be made the CM.
"There have been chief ministers from all regions in the state except north Maharashtra. Khadse is an experienced leader and has the capability to run the government, so he should be made the chief minister, thereby doing justice to north Maharashtra. We have always stood with the BJP whether it's the Lok Sabha polls or assembly elections. We feel this is the right time to do justice to north Maharashtra. If BJP fails to do this, it'll be a big injustice," said a strong Khadse supporter.
"However, in BJP, the backing of legislators is not important. Party parliamentary board and RSS play a major role in the selections process. Prime minister Narendra Modi is keen on giving the job to the young Fadnavis as he is his Man Friday in Maharashtra. Modi will thus have full control over Maharashtra and its politics. Mumbai being the financial capital of the nation, both Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want their man in command in the state. Only then will they be able to garner support of industrialists, which will be vital during various upcoming polls," said a source in BJP.
Sources said Modi had also been keen on making Gadkari the CM, but that Gadkari wanted his long time associate Sudhir Mungantiwar as CM. However, Modi only wants either Gadkari or Fadnavis.
By sending Gadkari to Mumbai, Modi can relax in Delhi, because after Modi, Gadkari is the person who may have claim to the PM's chair as he's close to the RSS. Gadkari gives the RSS chief regular updates on Delhi. Moreover, Gadkari is not keen on becoming the Maharashtra CM. By appointing Mungantiwar as CM, Gadkari wants to control Maharashtra politics," said a source, who is close to the goings on. Only time will tell who will finally control whom!
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