Sanjay Raut Suggests Devendra Fadnavis Could Step into Dharmendra Pradhan’s Shoes

On a lively segment of a Marathi news channel, Shiv Sena stalwart Sanjay Raut let slip a speculation that has already set political chatter abuzz: former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis could be earmarked to replace Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The comment came just hours after Maharashtra’s chief minister, Eknath Shinde, was called to Delhi for a high‑level meeting with the Prime Minister. While the exact agenda of the summons remains under wraps, insiders say it revolves around fiscal assistance and inter‑state issues.

Raut, never shy of making bold pronouncements, said, “When the CM is in Delhi, the centre often reshuffles its team. If a spot opens, I can see Fadnavis, a proven administrator, stepping into the role currently held by Pradhan.” He added with a chuckle, “Why not? Fadnavis has the experience, the temperament, and the connections.”

Dharmendra Pradhan, who presently handles the ministries of Education, Skill Development and Petroleum & Natural Gas, has been a key figure in the Modi cabinet. Yet, political analysts note that cabinet reshuffles are not uncommon after major inter‑governmental talks, especially when senior leaders are in the capital.

For Fadnavis, the prospect is intriguing. The former chief minister, who led Maharashtra from 2014 to 2019, has long been regarded as a BJP heavyweight with a clean image and a knack for administrative reforms. Should he be handed a Union portfolio, it would mark his return to the national stage after a brief hiatus.

Opposition parties, however, dismissed Raut’s musings as “mere political theatre.” A spokesperson for the Indian National Congress said, “Speculation does not equal reality; the government will announce any changes officially.”

Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, the political atmosphere remains charged. The state’s ruling coalition, led by the Shiv Sena‑BJP alliance, is watching the Delhi developments closely, aware that any central reshuffle could ripple through state‑centre dynamics.

Only time will tell whether Raut’s suggestion materialises. For now, the corridors of power in New Delhi echo with the usual buzz of possible ministerial swaps, and political pundits will keep their ears pricked for the next official word.