Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis, once a relatively unknown corporator, has risen steadily through the ranks to potentially claim Maharashtra's chief ministership for a third time. From his early days as the youngest mayor of Nagpur to becoming Maharashtra’s first BJP chief minister, Fadnavis’ political journey has been a story of persistence and strategic growth.

In Maharashtra, where Maratha leaders have traditionally dominated the political landscape, Fadnavis stands out. At 54, with strong connections to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he is only the second Brahmin to assume the chief minister's role after Shiv Sena’s Manohar Joshi. Prior to the 2014 assembly elections, Fadnavis was a leading contender for the top job, gaining the trust of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP strategist Amit Shah.

“Devendra is Nagpur's gift to the country,” Modi remarked at a 2014 election rally, recognizing Fadnavis’ contributions. Although Modi’s intense campaigning played a crucial role in the BJP's success during the 2014 elections, Fadnavis, then the state BJP president, also received significant credit for his leadership.

Fadnavis comes from a politically active family; his late father, Gangadhar Fadnavis, was a notable leader in the Jan Sangh and BJP, and Nitin Gadkari, another BJP stalwart from Nagpur, has often referred to Gangadhar as his “political mentor.” Devendra Fadnavis began his political career young, joining the RSS’s student wing, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, in 1989. By 22, he was a corporator in Nagpur’s municipal body, and at 27, he became its youngest mayor.

In 1999, Fadnavis won his first assembly election, representing the Nagpur South West constituency. He has since been re-elected in every subsequent election. Known for his clean image, he has remained free from corruption allegations, setting him apart from many of his peers.

Fadnavis gained prominence for his outspoken criticism of the Congress-NCP government, particularly over the alleged irrigation scam. Despite setbacks, such as the post-2019 election fallout with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, Fadnavis has consistently demonstrated resilience. His memorable "mee punha yein" (I will come back) slogan remains a symbol of his ambition.

In November 2019, Fadnavis briefly reclaimed the chief minister’s seat with NCP’s Ajit Pawar as his deputy, but the alliance lasted only three days. A Supreme Court directive for a trust vote led Fadnavis to resign. Uddhav Thackeray, backed by NCP's Sharad Pawar, then took the helm, only to step down later when Eknath Shinde led a major Shiv Sena defection.

Many political analysts anticipated Fadnavis’ return as chief minister following Thackeray’s exit, yet the BJP chose Eknath Shinde as the state's leader, with Fadnavis surprisingly assuming the deputy chief minister position. His time as Deputy CM has witnessed a significant political resurgence, and the recent election results signal a potential triumph in his career.

Despite his family's political background, Fadnavis has carved out a unique identity in Maharashtra’s political arena. His first term as chief minister was marked by efforts to accelerate infrastructure projects, earning him considerable support from urban voters. However, his administration also faced challenges, including agricultural losses due to unpredictable weather and controversies over his initial refusal to grant loan waivers to struggling farmers.

Fadnavis also tackled the contentious issue of Maratha reservations. Although he passed legislation granting quotas, the Supreme Court’s later rejection of the law left some within the Maratha community feeling betrayed. The 2019 elections were a turning point, as the Shiv Sena’s demand for a shared chief ministership prompted Fadnavis to attempt a partnership with Ajit Pawar’s NCP—a coalition that dissolved within 72 hours.

After serving as the Leader of the Opposition, Fadnavis returned to power in 2022, this time as Deputy CM under Eknath Shinde. His acceptance of this position, despite initial hesitation, showcased his loyalty to the BJP. Even after a notable setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Fadnavis played a critical role in securing a coalition agreement between the BJP and Shinde's faction.