Sanjay Raut Hints at Fadnavis Taking Over Pradhan’s Role Amid Delhi Summons

When Maharashtra’s chief minister was summoned to Delhi for talks with the central government, the political ripples were immediate. Shiv Sena’s whip‑hand Sanjay Raut wasted no time in speculating about the fallout, suggesting that the ministry’s responsibilities could soon shift from Dharmendra Pradhan to former state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Raut, speaking to reporters in Mumbai, said the summons was “a clear sign that the Centre is reassessing its strategy in the state.” He added that the move could open a window for the BJP to reshuffle its senior ranks, with Fadnavis being a logical choice to take over the portfolio currently held by Pradhan, who also serves as the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Devendra Fadnavis, who served two terms as Maharashtra’s chief minister and now sits as a senior BJP leader in the Lok Sabha, has been eyeing a bigger role in the party’s national leadership. His track record of handling the state’s finances and infrastructure projects has earned him praise across the coalition, making Raut’s suggestion appear more than mere political posturing.

Critics, however, argue that swapping a union minister for a former chief minister mid‑term could destabilise ongoing projects, especially those linked to the central government’s fuel and energy policies. They point out that Dharmendra Pradhan has been instrumental in steering the country’s push for renewable energy and gas infrastructure, a delicate portfolio that would be difficult to hand over without a transition period.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra cabinet remains on high alert. Sources close to the state government say that officials are preparing contingency plans, ensuring that any sudden change in leadership does not hamper the state’s day‑to‑day administration. Whether Raut’s speculation turns into reality will likely depend on the outcome of the Delhi talks and the political calculations of both the BJP and the Shiv Sena.

For now, the political theatre in Maharashtra continues, with the possibility of a high‑profile reshuffle adding another layer of intrigue to an already complex relationship between the state and the centre.