Whenever BJP took 72 hours to choose a CM, a surprise face appeared

Bharatiya Janata Party: In Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has indicated to come to power by claiming majority, but the face of the Chief Minister is still a big question. More than 72 hours have passed regarding the CM post of Maharashtra, and in such a situation, given the tradition of BJP, speculation of the entry of a surprise face has intensified.

BJP and the tradition of surprise face

In the process of BJP's government formation, the selection of the Chief Minister often comes out as an unexpected decision. The party has chosen such faces many times since 2014, who were not clear contenders in the race for the post of CM.

Odisha: Surprise selection of Mohan Majhi (2024)

In Odisha, the BJP formed the government in 2024, but the Chief Minister was selected after 8 days. The party surprised everyone by making tribal leader Mohan Majhi the CM instead of senior leaders like Dharmendra Pradhan and Manmohan Sambal.

Rajasthan: Bhajanlal Sharma's unexpected entry (2023)

After 9 days of brainstorming after the 2023 assembly elections in Rajasthan, the BJP made Bhajanlal Sharma, a first-time MLA, the Chief Minister. Sidelining veterans like Vasundhara Raje and Kirori Lal Meena, the party gave a chance to a young and new face.

Madhya Pradesh: Selection of Mohan Yadav (2023)

In Madhya Pradesh too, the BJP returned to power in 2023, but made Mohan Yadav the Chief Minister instead of a veteran leader like Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This decision taken after 8 days reflects the strategic thinking of the BJP.

Chhattisgarh: Appointment of Vishnudev Sai (2023)

In Chhattisgarh, in 2023, the BJP announced the name of the Chief Minister within 7 days. The party surprised once again by making Vishnudev Sai the Chief Minister instead of contenders like Raman Singh and Arun Sao.

Surprise story of 2014 in Maharashtra

In 2014, the BJP emerged as the largest party in Maharashtra. Names like Nitin Gadkari, Pankaja Munde and Vinod Tawde were in discussion for the post of Chief Minister, but after 7 days Devendra Fadnavis was made the Chief Minister. This decision was unexpected at that time because Fadnavis was a relatively young and less popular leader.

BJP's strategy in other states

BJP's surprise game was not limited to Maharashtra or 2014.

Uttar Pradesh (2017): Making Yogi Adityanath the Chief Minister, when names like Manoj Sinha and Keshav Prasad Maurya were contenders.

Himachal Pradesh (2017): Selection of Jairam Thakur, when names like Prem Kumar Dhumal and JP Nadda were ahead.

Uttarakhand (2017): Unexpected appointment of Trivendra Singh Rawat.

Where the decision was quick, there were old faces

Where the BJP took less than 72 hours to select the Chief Minister, the incumbent CM got a chance again. Example:

Gujarat (2022): Bhupendra Patel was re-elected as the Chief Minister.

Haryana (2019): Manohar Lal Khattar was made the CM again.

Way forward in Maharashtra

BJP has many potential contenders in Maharashtra, among whom Devendra Fadnavis is the chief. But looking at the past trends, it is difficult to say that Fadnavis will get a chance again. The party can balance the political equations by bringing a new and surprise face forward.

This strategy of BJP is not only a political maneuver, but it strengthens the base of the party. Now it has to be seen who BJP makes the Chief Minister in Maharashtra and how beneficial this decision proves to be for the party.