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Lobbyists project Nitin Gadkari as Maharashtra Chief Minister

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Just two days after election results were declared, political equations in Maharashtra BJP are changing. Even as top leadership is realising that its mandate is only a half-hearted one, and is planning strategies to form a government, leaders within the party are scrambling for power and lobbying for the top post.

Even as it was decided on Tuesday that top party leaders would visit Maharashtra after Diwali, aggressive lobbying started to promote Nitin Gadkari as the chief minister. Till now, party state president Devendra Fadnavis was seen as the natural choice.

Who belled the cat?
Sudhir Mungantiwar. The entire day, speculations were rife among political circles on CM candidature, especially after Sudhir Mungantiwar, BJP core committee member and MLA from Ballarpur, expressed a desire to see Gadkari in CM's chair.

Mungantiwar told media persons that he had been surprised when he heard the news that Gadkari had refused chief ministership. "Why shouldn't he come back to the state. He has contributed so much to the state and loves the people of Maharashtra. We know that he is holding an important post in Delhi and the entire country will benefit from that, but we will speak to him and persuade him to come to Maharashtra," Mungantiwar said.

What's Gadkari's claim to fame?
A senior BJP leader said for the central leadership too Gadkari could be the first choice as he could handle both Sena and NCP well. "He is an experienced hand. He has been a minister of state and is diplomatic enough to negotiate with both these parties at their own level. He also enjoys favourable position with the higher-ups in Sangh," said a leader.

What's Mungantiwar's motive?
Sources claimed even Mungantiwar had an eye on CM's chair. However, he is not staking claim but projecting Gadkari in the hope that if Gadkari declines the offer, he would propose Mungantiwar's name.

Rudy says....
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, in-charge of Maharashtra, said government formation and swearing in of MLAs would be held only after Diwali. "Let the MLAs enjoy Diwali, then we can go ahead with the talks. Party parliamentary board will take the decision on CM candidate as well on taking support," Rudy added.

BJP leaders meanwhile insisted that the party would form the government on its own as it would be able to muster the required number. OP Mathur, in-charge of elections in Maharashtra, said BJP had a lot of options. "We don't mind accommodating Sena too. NCP has extended unconditional support and we are yet to respond."

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