From Loyalty to Leadership: The Journey of Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Year: 2019

Location: Balwade Stadium, Pune

The captain steps onto the stage and, with conviction, declares his inspiring battle cry: “We win or we learn"—"Ya to ham Jitale hai, ya ham Sikhte hai.”. The crowd responds with unwavering enthusiasm.

He then opens a box containing the application forms of candidates selected for the state elections. One by one, the captain takes each form, salutes it, and signs the enclosed AB form, marking a moment of commitment and determination for his party's future.

This inspiring story of the captain deeply impacted every BJP worker. Chandrashekhar Bawankule was entrusted with the prestigious role of captain by Devendraji Fadnavis. More than a title, it was an honour, reflecting the trust placed in him as a loyal lieutenant. Their bond resembled that of Ram and Lakshman, with the captain unwaveringly following his elder brother's guidance.

He embodies the ideal of perseverance, marked by self-discipline, loyalty, composure, relentless effort, and unwavering dedication. His political journey has been filled with twists, dramatic turns, disappointments, and moments of non-recognition. Yet he never wavered in sorrow or regret. Instead, he accepted every challenge with resilience, remaining steadfastly loyal to the party and its leaders.

He was given a ministerial position but remained humble despite his achievements. Although the party denied him a ticket in the 2019 state elections, he accepted the decision with a smile. Unlike others who might have rebelled, Chandrashekhar declared, “I will obey my party’s decision because the BJP is my brother. This bond is steadfast and unchanging.” He continued his work with the same zeal and vision, staying an active and committed leader and remaining a true captain in every sense.

Captain Bawankule continued his work at various levels, and soon, the results were clear. He was appointed General Secretary of the BJP and took charge of the Janata Yuva Morcha, infusing it with energy and purpose. Travelling across the state, he engaged with youth, listened to their concerns, and mobilised new talent. Under his leadership, the Yuva Morcha was revitalised, launching impactful campaigns.

Despite the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi being in power, Captain Bawankule’s relentless agitations kept the ruling coalition on edge, even during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfazed by the crisis, he stepped forward to support COVID-19 patients and their families. His dedication provided a new sense of direction and confidence to his fellow youth workers, solidifying his role as a true leader in trying times.

The BJP selected him for the MLC election, and he returned to the Upper House, the Vidhan Parishad, representing Nagpur’s autonomous bodies constituency. This new chapter gave him a fresh platform to contribute. Alongside his legislative duties, he continued his tireless work for the party, using his understanding of society and governance to craft effective strategies. Dedicated and relentless, he worked day and night, solidifying his role as a key strategist and leader.

The BJP’s national leadership recognised Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s dynamic work style and entrusted him with a key responsibility. Seeing the need for energetic leaders like him, the party assigned him as a chief campaigner for Yogi Adityanath’s constituency in Gorakhpur. While Yogi canvassed the state, Bawankule focused on Gorakhpur, meticulously studying the region and engaging with the local populace.

He mobilised over 5,000 youth, whom he proudly dubbed "Election Warriors." These young supporters rallied under the unifying slogan, “Main Yogi” (“I am Yogi”), embodying the spirit of Yogi’s leadership. Bawankule provided them with strategic guidance and maintained constant communication, ensuring they remained motivated and focused. His relentless efforts yielded remarkable results, with Yogi Adityanath securing a resounding victory.

Having accomplished this significant feat, Bawankule, the "Marathi Captain" from Nagpur, returned home a hero. After seeking the blessings of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, he resumed his legislative duties with renewed vigour, further strengthening his reputation as a dedicated leader.

The central leadership had different plans for him. One day, he received a call informing him that J.P. Nadda wished to speak with him. At that moment, Bawankule was appointed the state president of the BJP in Maharashtra, marking the third pivotal chapter of his career.

He embraced this new responsibility, tirelessly proving his worth. Bawankule visited nearly every district, engaging with thousands of people. As his support grew, so did his critics. Some sought to undermine him, but he remained undeterred, choosing not to respond to the naysayers and instead continuing his work relentlessly.

He travelled across Maharashtra three times, visiting thousands of villages, small towns, and metro cities. Through these efforts, he strengthened the party’s network, introduced new ideas and programs, and discovered fresh talent to bring under the BJP's umbrella. Thanks to his leadership, the party became a formidable force across the state.

(The author is a publicity in-charge of the state BJP president. Views personal.)