03 August,2026 08:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday claimed that efforts were underway within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to shift Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Delhi.
Sapkal alleged that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) wanted Fadnavis to join the Union Cabinet to implement their ideological agenda. He further claimed that Fadnavis was being considered for the post of Union Education Minister, reported PTI.
The Congress leader alleged that the controversy over Maharashtra's three-language policy and the promotion of Hindi was part of a broader political agenda.
According to Sapkal, the developments were linked to efforts within the BJP to elevate Fadnavis to national politics.
Sapkal's remarks come amid speculation that Fadnavis may be moved to the Centre following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister.
The speculation gained further traction after Fadnavis made a brief visit to New Delhi on July 25, the day Pradhan resigned, before returning to Nagpur later the same day.
Fadnavis, however, has dismissed reports of a possible move to Delhi.
When asked about his visit to the national capital, the chief minister told PTI, "Today, I am in Nagpur and will be going to Mumbai in the evening. I am in Mumbai and Maharashtra only."
Meanwhile, Fadnavis' paternal uncle, Balasaheb Fadnavis, on Sunday said he "firmly believed" that his nephew would "sooner or later" become the Prime Minister of India.
Balasaheb Fadnavis, a retired banker, was speaking at the launch of the book Devabhau, based on the life of the chief minister. The senior BJP leader is fondly known as "Devabhau" among his supporters.
"I firmly believe that sooner or later, my nephew will become the Prime Minister of India," Balasaheb Fadnavis said, reported PTI.
Recalling his nephew's early life and political journey, Balasaheb Fadnavis said Devendra Fadnavis was a gold medallist in law, an excellent orator, and someone who "never brings politics into family discussions and remains completely relaxed at home."
He added that Devendra Fadnavis' life took a decisive turn after he worked under a renowned lawyer in Nagpur before joining the Jana Sangh.
"I don't think anyone in history was elected at such a young age," he said, referring to Devendra Fadnavis becoming the youngest Mayor of Nagpur and the second-youngest mayor in the country at the age of 27 in 1997, reported PTI.
Balasaheb Fadnavis' remarks come at a time when speculation is rife about Devendra Fadnavis potentially moving to national politics, especially following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has repeatedly claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants Fadnavis to become the country's next Union Education Minister.
(With PTI inputs)
