Devendra Fadnavis: Lesser-known facts about Maharashtra's potential CM
As the Uddhay Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government finally toppled in Maharashtra, celebrations erupted in the Bharatiya Janata Party camp. Several party leaders, including MLAs, gathered at former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's house in Mumbai to greet him as they are confident that he will return to power shortly. Here are a few lesser-known facts about the most likely contender for the CM position.
Why does this story matter?
Thackeray's resignation appears to have put an end to the week-long political standoff in Maharashtra, caused by an uprising by Shiv Sena MLAs. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has likewise disintegrated after a two-and-a-half-year tenure. With Fadnavis as the CM, the BJP is expected to take over the state government once more.
Man with many facets to his life
Fadnavis, who is turning 52 next month, is a man of many colorful facets. He is regarded as a steadfast politician, as well as an intellectual and family-oriented individual. From becoming Maharashtra's second-youngest chief minister in 2014 to supporting his wife's decision to pursue her passion, Fadnavis has demonstrated guts, dedication, and devotion, as per the available information about his life and career.
Opted for RSS-run vidyalaya over Indira Gandhi-named school
According to Mid-Day, Fadnavis declined to attend the local Convent school named after Indira Gandhi as a student. This choice was made since his father, Gangadhar Fadnavis, was imprisoned during Emergency in India from 1975 to 1977, it said. He chose, instead, to continue his studies at the RSS-run Saraswati Vidyalaya, where he completed the majority of his formal education.
From modeling to politics
In 2006, Fadnavis worked as a model for a clothing store in Nagpur. The ad campaign was a tremendous hit. His childhood friend and photographer Vivek Ranade had encouraged him to pursue modeling. However, he graduated from the Law College Nagpur, although he never practiced law. He also has a management degree and attended many international conferences before joining politics.
Was second-youngest mayor in India
He served two consecutive terms as a corporator of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation when he was 21 years old. Later, at the age of just 27, he was appointed as Nagpur's mayor. No politician in the state had ever served two terms consecutively until he did. As the second-youngest mayor in India and the youngest mayor of Nagpur, Fadnavis achieved this distinction.
Best Parliamentarian Awardee
Some analysts call him a politician of the highest caliber. In 2002-03, he received the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's Best Parliamentarian Award. He was also given the coveted Nag Bhushan award in 2016 for his tremendous contribution to the cause of Vidarbha.
The family man sparked controversy
Fadnavis married Amruta Ranade in 2006, and the couple has a 13-year-old daughter, Divija. In 2014, Divija became the youngest-ever resident of the CM's official residence 'Varsha' in South Mumbai. A few years ago, they sparked outrage by filming a music video called 'Mumbai River Anthem,' in which they used the CM, the police head, and the municipal commissioner as props.
