(Image source from: Nitin Gadkari in race for CM's post in Maharashtra?})

BJP's Maharashtra chief Devendra Fadnavis was the front-runner for the post of chief minister in the state. Even two days back Fadnavis was believed to be BJP's chosen man for the top job in Maharashtra.

But on Tuesday there was a twist in the tale. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nitin Gadkari's name emerged as being in the offing for the top post. Devendra Fadnavis was no longer the man.

BJP's former state chief Sudhir Mungantiwar, who is also a member of the party's core committee, revealed that BJP was thinking of Nitin Gadkari being placed at the helm of affairs in the state.

Mungantiwar reportedly said he was surprised to see Gadkari saying he was more interested in Delhi. The party believes his administrative experience would be more useful if he heads the
Maharashtra government.

Gadkari, who was the former BJP president, is known to be close to Sangh Parivar.

Besides Gadkari, the Maharashtra BJP has three contenders to the top post in the state - BJP's Maharashtra chief Devendra Fadnavis, former leader of opposition in assembly Eknath Khadse and former leader of opposition in legislative council Vinod Tawde.

Now there are speculation whether Gadkari will return to Maharashtra and head the government. If he doesn't will Mungantiwar emerge as a contenter for the CM's post. Mungantiwar enjoys more support than Fadnavis from the Sangh Parivar.

According to reports, if Gadkari continues his stint at the capital then Mungantiwar could emerge as the front-runner in the race for the post of CM. Both Gadkari and Mungantiwar enjoy more support of the Sangh pariwar, compared to Fadnavis, reports suggest.

However, the final decision will be taken by the BJP's central leadership led by PM Narendra Modi. In the recently concluded assembly election in Maharashtra the BJP and its allies won 123 seats.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)