How did Ravindra Chavan become the unopposed Maharashtra BJP chief?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ravindra Chavan is the new Maharashtra BJP chief.
- He was elected unopposed, signaling strong party support.
- Chavan's election occurs just before local elections.
- He aims to continue the BJP's winning streak in alliance with other parties.
- His extensive experience is expected to benefit the party significantly.
Mumbai, July 1 (NationPress) In a significant development, Ravindra Chavan, a close aide of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a former minister, has been elected unopposed as the president of the Maharashtra BJP unit.
Chavan, currently serving as the state BJP working president, was the only candidate to submit his nominations. The announcement was made by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju during the party’s executive council meeting, attended by the Chief Minister, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and other prominent leaders.
He replaces Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who held the position for three years, during which the BJP became the largest party in the last state Assembly elections.
Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed confidence in Chavan, stating that he will handle the responsibilities of state president with vigor, drawing on his extensive organizational experience, having begun his political career as a grassroots worker in the Yuva Morcha.
Chavan takes the helm ahead of crucial local and civic body elections, with the BJP planning to contest these polls in alliance with Shiv Sena and NCP as MahaYuti, aiming to maintain their winning streak following the impressive performance in the Assembly elections.
Furthermore, Chavan's leadership comes as the BJP aims to claim victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which has been under Shiv Sena UBT control for nearly 25 years.
Having been a dedicated BJP leader for several years, Chavan was first elected as a corporator in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation in 2007. He later became an MLA in 2009 and won again in 2014, establishing BJP's stronghold in several municipal corporations.
Chavan secured his third MLA term in 2019 and was appointed Minister of the Public Works Department in 2021, also serving as the Guardian Minister of Sindhudurg and Palghar. He was re-elected in the 2024 Assembly elections, and although not included in Fadnavis' ministry, he was appointed state working president.