"Narendra in Delhi, Devendra in Maharashtra" - supporters of BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis hoped today that their catchy slogan would become reality as the party emerged as the single largest in Maharashtra.
The slogan - "Delhi mein Narendra, Mumbai mein Devendra" - has been in circulation for months. It was floated not long after the national election pitchforked the BJP to power in May and today, the 44-year-old Mr Fadnavis has emerged as the most likely candidate to carry forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of big development and good governance in Maharashtra, which was ruled by the Congress-NCP alliance for 15 years.
Mr Fadnavis held a puja at his home in Nagpur before leaving for Mumbai last night in response to the party's summons, as speculation intensified that he would be picked for the top job. Two days ago, his supporters had sent him a bouquet with the letters "CM" in roses."
Sources say the young Brahmin leader is backed by the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and is a party favourite because of his clean image and wide acceptability. He is also seen as a "new-age leader" in BJP's largely jaded line-up in Maharashtra - a big plus in Mr Modi's book.
The party did not project a chief ministerial face fearing it would dilute a campaign crafted around PM Narendra Modi and his development pitch.
The BJP is seen to lack a prominent face in Maharashtra since the death of Gopinath Munde in a car crash in June. Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who addressed some 100 rallies in the state, had denied speculation that he was the chief ministerial pick.