If the stupendous performance by the BJP-Shiv Sena combine in Maharashtra has propped up Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's stature in national politics, it has also earned his blue-eyed boy Girish Mahajan a new moniker: Amit Shah of Maharashtra.
The BJP-Sena coalition lapped up 41 of the 48 seats in the state in the Lok Sabha polls and much credit for the success goes to Mahajan, said sources. Such was his confidence that Mahajan had long been saying the partners would get more than 40 seats.
"From bringing heavyweights like Dr Sujay Vikhe, son of former Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, and former NCP Parliamentarian Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil to BJP's fold to tackling issues like farmers' agitation and the Maratha quota, Mahajan has been the real brain," said a BJP functionary close to Mahajan.
Sujay Vikhe won from Ahmednagar. In Jalgaon, Mahajan got the already-allotted ticket revoked for Unmesh Patil. He also roped in Bharti Pawar from NCP for Dindori constituency. Both Patil and Bharti emerged victorious.
The source said Mahajan likes to follow BJP president Amit Shah's working style – microplanning. "With wins in Jalgaon, Nashik, Dhule and Ahmednagar civic bodies and now all six seats in north Maharashtra, he has earned the tag of 'Amit Shah of Maharashtra'."
Son of a teacher, the 59-year-old state minister from Jamner belongs to the Gujjar-agrarian community and comes from a very humble background. A martial art black-belt, Mahajan always rushes to help people, said a person close to the MLA. "He also carries the licensed revolver. During 26/11, Mahajan wanted to face terrorists and had even sought permission."
Another source said, "There a couple of people who are seen as No. 2 after Fadnavis, but the real number two in terms of wielding power is Mahajan."
Chandrakant Baviskar, an associate of Mahajan, called the leader a skilful organiser. "He started as a sarpanch and today he is a minister. But he behaves like the person next door. In the success of the BJP in the state, Mahajan saheb's contribution is immense."
