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Chavan accepted the mantle from Chandrashekhar Bawankule, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the state unit ahead of crucial local body elections
The event saw the presence of top BJP leaders, including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, union minister Kiren Rijiju who announced Chavan’s election, national general secretary Vinod Tawde, MP Udayanraje Bhosale, union ministers Murlidhar Mohol and Raksha Khadse, Pankaja Munde, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Ashok Chavan, Narayan Rane, and other cabinet ministers. Pic/News18
In a grand show of strength and enthusiasm, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ravindra Chavan formally took charge as the new Maharashtra BJP president on Tuesday. At the party’s state council meeting held at Worli Dome in Mumbai, Chavan accepted the mantle from outgoing chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule amid slogans, music, and fireworks, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the state unit ahead of crucial local body elections.
Addressing thousands of party workers, Ravindra Chavan, who comes from a humble background, expressed his gratitude towards the BJP leadership for trusting him with this responsibility. “It is only possible in the BJP that a common worker like me from an ordinary family is given such a huge responsibility. The BJP’s nationalist ideology and the pro-people decisions of the Modi government must reach every corner of Maharashtra and every common citizen. With the support of all workers, I will take this mission forward,” Chavan said in his first address as state president.
He called on the party’s rank and file to gear up for the 2029 general elections “starting today”, urging everyone to follow the guiding principles laid down by Ramabhau Mhalgi: “Work tirelessly, keep a cool mind, and speak sweetly.” Chavan emphasised that countering misinformation about the Narendra Modi government and the state’s Mahayuti alliance must be a top priority.
Outgoing state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who handed over the party flag to Chavan, reflected on his tenure, saying he was initially unsure if he could handle the role but successfully strengthened the organisation with the support of workers and leaders like Devendra Fadnavis. “We achieved a record of enrolling 1.5 crore members. While we fell short of expectations in the Lok Sabha polls, under Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership, we secured the highest number of assembly seats. Now, under Ravindra Chavan, we must aim for a 51% vote share and maximum victories in local bodies,” Bawankule said.
Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar praised Bawankule’s work in expanding the party’s reach and expressed confidence that Chavan would deliver an even stronger performance by defeating the opposition decisively.
The event saw the presence of top BJP leaders, including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, union minister Kiren Rijiju who announced Chavan’s election, national general secretary Vinod Tawde, MP Udayanraje Bhosale, union ministers Murlidhar Mohol and Raksha Khadse, Pankaja Munde, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Ashok Chavan, Narayan Rane, and other cabinet ministers.
In his closing remarks, Ravindra Chavan declared, “The BJP is my identity. The party has shaped me, and I am ready to do anything for the party that made me who I am.”
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
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