Chandrakant Patil may get Maharashtra BJP top post

With the alleviation of Devendra Fadnavis to the state's top post, the chair of the president of Maharashtra unit of the BJP has become vacant. And in wake of Ashish Shelar been given a ministerial berth, the Mumbai BJP chief's post will also fall vacant.

Several leaders ave their eyes set on these posts, but senior BJP functionaries have been keenly observing the situation.

The most favourable name of Chandrakant Patil is doing rounds for the state BJP head's post. The vacant post of state BJP chief is likely to be given to Patil, an MLC from Kolhapur. Patil has RSS background and enjoys good backing from the Sangh. "On a lighter note, he hails from the town of Amitbhai's in-laws," said a party source. Last week, Patil was appointed by the central leadership to negotiate with the Shiv Sena. Patil enjoys a good rapport with Sena leaders.

Pandurang Fundkar's name was also doing the rounds as he had been the state party chief twice in the past. Fundkar has a good grip on the party's administrative functions and have an knack of dealing with the party functionaries. He is also a well-respected leader in the party.

Parag Lavani's name has been recommended for the Mumbai BJP chief. Alavani, MLA from Vile Parle, has a strong background since his student days. He has been the president of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad and a corporator for two terms. His wife Jyoti Alavani is a corporator from Vile Parle (East). Alavani has good network with the city BJP leaders.