A section of the Maharashtra Pradesh BJP is keen that senior leader and BJP deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde be entrusted the post of the next state unit chief. Incumbent president Sudhir Mungantiwar's three year tenure ends soon and discussions are on among senior leaders of the state unit to choose the next president.
At a meeting of senior BJP leaders held today to discuss probable names to succeed Mungantiwar were of the view that in the backdrop of the 2014 assembly elections, Munde was the best bet, party sources said.
Other names which are being discussed are Nagpur MLA Devendra Phadanvis, Parbhani MP Raosaheb Danve, former state unit chief Pandurang Phundkar.
"There was also a view that Eknath Khadse give up his present post as Leader of opposition in the Assembly and take charge as the state unit chief while few others observed that Mungantiwar could be given a second term," sources said.
Preliminary discussions have begun and the final decision regarding the next state president will be taken after presidents of about 10 to 15 districts, which have been pending, are appointed.
The process will take about 10 days after consultations with central observers, sources added.
"BJP is keen to have MNS as part of the alliance to consolidate the opposition votes. But, it all depends on Shiv Sena and MNS on how they plan their strategy," they added.
