Daijiworld Media Network - Pune
Pune, Aug 3: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' uncle, Balasaheb Fadnavis, on Sunday expressed confidence that his nephew could one day become the Prime Minister of India.
Speaking at the launch of the book Devabhau in Pune, Balasaheb praised the chief minister's leadership qualities and political journey. Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil was also present at the event.
"Devendra Fadnavis has been elected for the first, second and third time. I don't think many people in history have achieved such success at such a young age. He is calm and composed. At home, he rarely discusses politics and instead talks about family matters. I believe my nephew will one day become the Prime Minister of India. He certainly has the potential," Balasaheb Fadnavis said.
Devendra Fadnavis is one of the Bharatiya Janata Party's most prominent leaders in Maharashtra. He has served three terms as the state's chief minister and has also held the office of deputy chief minister.
Political observers have often speculated that Fadnavis could emerge as a future prime ministerial face of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Balasaheb Fadnavis' remarks have further fuelled political discussions in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Chandrakant Patil also praised the chief minister, saying he possessed exceptional qualities.
"He seems to have been blessed with divine strength. It is rare to find so many qualities in one person. He is an organiser, an administrator, a friend, an avid reader and writer, and a devoted family man who remembers important moments in the lives of people around him and personally congratulates or consoles them," Patil said.
Without naming anyone, Patil also took an apparent swipe at a former Maharashtra chief minister. He claimed that the former leader would carefully read memorandums presented to him, make notes with a pen, and then simply tell people that he would respond later, without taking immediate action. Patil, however, did not identify the leader by name.