FILE photo: Union Minister for State Raosaheb Danve
Union Minister for State Raosaheb Danve is likely to be the next Maharashtra BJP President, sources have told NDTV.
59-year-old Mr Danve, who was a Gopinath Munde loyalist and has been elected from the Jalna seat, is currently the Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies.
The post of the Maharashtra BJP President is held by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The BJP, which follows the principle of one man-one post, had to appoint someone to take over after 44-year-old Mr Fadnavis was elevated as Chief Minister in October 2014.
Mr Danve, a four-time MP, was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1999. He retained the seat in 2004, 2009 and 2014.He was also twice elected to the Maharashtra Assembly.
According to top BJP sources, Mr Danve's name was finalised at a party conclave held on Friday in Mumbai. BJP President Amit Shah finalized his name after consulting state leaders. However, some leaders who were eyeing the post are upset with the decision, the sources added.
Mr Danve, who represents the powerful Maratha community, hails from backward region of Marathwada. A formal announcement in this matter is likely in a few days.