Rajdeep Sardesai On How Devendra Fadnavis Is Becoming 'All Things To All People' In Maharashtra

On this India Today special report, Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyses the shifting political landscape in Maharashtra following recent election trends. Sardesai highlights the rise of Devendra Fadnavis, noting that 'if these numbers hold, clearly he will be Neta number one in Maharashtra, less dependent on Eknath Shinde or indeed Ajit Pawar.' The discussion focuses on how Fadnavis, a 55-year-old leader, has successfully navigated Maratha-dominated politics by blending a strong Hindutva identity with an image as an 'infrastructure man' for urban Maharashtra. The transcript also details the atmosphere at the BJP headquarters in Mumbai, where preparations for celebrations are underway but held in check until official results are declared. Sardesai points out the significance of Fadnavis leading the campaign without the direct presence of the BJP's 'Trimurti'—Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath—marking a potential transition in leadership dynamics within the state.