Fadnavis as CM; RSS has its way

ANALYSIS | Even before results were out, Sangh was clear in its mind that Fadnavis would be CM

- S Balakrishnan

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is celebrating its centenary year, finally had its way in Maharashtra. It ensured that its candidate Devendra Fadnavis was elected as the 21st chief minister of the politically second-most important state after Uttar Pradesh.

Even before the 2024 assembly poll results were out, the Sangh was clear in its mind that Fadnavis would be the CM. However, the central leadership was toying with the idea of cherry-picking a lesser known person for the prime role; like what it did in Rajasthan and Haryana. The Free Press Journal had on December 1 carried a report on the front page, citing the power struggle between the RSS and the BJP as the reason for the delay in the government formation in Maharashtra.

Last Thursday, caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, who was nursing the ambition of being nominated again to the top post, had categorically stated that he would abide by whatever decision was taken by the BJP top brass. That one statement should have cleared the decks for the BJP to go ahead and nominate its candidate. However, the party leadership was apparently trying to have its way till the last moment.