Devendra Fadnavis to remain Maharashtra CM till 2034, says Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Chandrashekhar Bawankule. File Pic

Devendra Fadnavis is the best Chief Minister Maharashtra has ever had and he will remain in the top post till 2034, said senior cabinet member and state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday, reported news agency PTI.

Bawankule noted that Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader who is serving his third term as CM, is the architect of a roadmap to make Maharashtra a developed state and he needs to be at the helm for the next nine years to achieve that goal.

"Devendra Fadnavis will remain the Chief Minister till 2034 because he has formulated the 'Viksit Maharashtra' resolution, and it will be accomplished under his leadership. He is the best Chief Minister Maharashtra has ever had," Bawankule emphasised, reported PTI.

Speaking at a function in Mumbai, state Revenue Minister Bawankule emphasised that Fadnavis's continued leadership is essential for achieving development goals outlined in the state's long-term vision.

"To achieve the Viksit Maharashtra resolution, we need Fadnavis as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra," he maintained, reported PTI.

Reiterating the BJP's commitment to a "double engine" government (party in power at the Centre and in state) Bawankule said, that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Fadnavis at the helm in Mumbai, this double engine administration will transform Maharashtra into a better state.

Calling for unity and support within the party and the state, the BJP minister declared, "We all should firmly stand behind Fadnavis to ensure this vision becomes a reality," reported PTI.

When asked by reporters about Bawankule's comments on Fadnavis remaining the CM till 2034, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cryptically remarked "best wishes."

Shinde heads the Shiv Sena, which is a constituent of the BJP-led ruling alliance Mahayuti. He was the CM from June 2022 to November 24 and was succeeded by Fadnavis when the Mahayuti swept last year's assembly polls.

Reacting to Bawankule's comments on Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam remarked, "We have no issues even if he is the CM till 2080. Our good wishes are with him. Our best wishes are with Bawankule, Devendra Fadnavis and even Eknath Shinde. We are together. If anyone tries to create rift between us that will not yield any result," reported PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)