Mumbai, 2nd July : In a strategic reshuffle, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed veteran leader Ravindra Chavan as Maharashtra state president on July 1, replacing Chandrashekhar Bawankule. The announcement, made by senior party leaders, comes ahead of crucial local body elections in Mumbai and across Maharashtra, and marks a bold move to challenge the rival Shiv Sena–Eknath Shinde faction and energize the party’s grassroots machinery.

Chavan, a four-time MLA from Dombivli (Thane), brings extensive organisational and ministerial experience. Although he missed out on a cabinet berth in the recent Fadnavis government, the BJP had earlier this year appointed him as working president - a clear indication of his reputation as a robust election manager. His unanimous elevation at the state council meeting signals smooth internal consensus and confidence in his leadership.

At 54, Chavan is a seasoned political operator with roots in the BJP’s youth wing. He rose through party ranks - starting as corporator in the Kalyan‑Dombivli municipal corporation, later serving as its standing committee chair. Elected to the Maharashtra Assembly in 2009, he has held key ministries such as Ports, IT, Medical Education, Public Works, Food and Civil Supplies at different times.

Chavan is credited with strengthening the party’s base in semi-urban Thane and adjacent areas - Badlapur, Matheran, Karjat, close to Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), where the BJP aims to consolidate influence. His strong performance in the 2024 assembly elections, re-elected by over 77,000 votes, further cements his profile as a poll strategist.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who served as the central observer during the leadership handover, emphasized that Chavan’s appointment strengthens the BJP’s readiness for the upcoming civic polls. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the party high command appear to be leveraging Chavan’s organisational strengths to counter the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. The strategic appointment signals a clear challenge to Shiv Sena’s traditional urban dominance in key cities like Mumbai and Thane.

Chavan’s elevation follows the recent completion of district-level leadership appointments, including 22 key district presidents, a step seen by analysts as groundwork for his state-level role.

In his acceptance speech, Chavan expressed gratitude to the party leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the BJP’s reach across Maharashtra. He pledged to energize party workers, intensify grassroots outreach, and ensure strong performance in the upcoming local elections.

Political observers note that the appointment balances both caste and regional dynamics. As a Maratha leader, Chavan’s presence in the leadership helps the BJP appeal to both urban and rural constituencies. His leadership is expected to mobilize Maratha support and energize lower-level cadres in a politically fragmented state.

As Maharashtra heads into a heated local body election season, Ravindra Chavan’s leadership will be tested in booth management, alliance negotiations, and organizational discipline. His elevation signals the BJP’s intent to make aggressive gains and challenge both allies and adversaries in what promises to be a fiercely contested political landscape.