The Steady Hand

A quiet strategist with an iron will, Ravindra Chavan, the BJP’s newly-minted working president, is reshaping the state’s political map.

In the chaotic theater of Indian politics, patience is a rare and undervalued virtue. The impulsive are lauded for their boldness, the brash for their audacity. Yet, as in sports, those who bide their time often emerge as winners. In Maharashtra, this maxim finds embodiment in two figures: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, celebrated for his steady rise to the top, and Ravindra Chavan, the BJP’s newly appointed working president, who is tipped to be the next president of the Maharashtra BJP.

The 54-year-old Kalyan-born Chavan’s story is one of quiet perseverance and unflagging resolve. His rise to prominence has been anything but meteoric.

His is not the tale of political royalty or academic brilliance. Lacking a college degree and early connections, Chavan built his career brick by brick, driven by an indefatigable spirit and an eye for strategy. Over 25 years of political toil, he has evolved into one of Maharashtra’s most effective leaders—a man whose name, until recently whispered in the party’s inner circles, now echoes in public discourse.

Chavan’s journey began in the rough-and-tumble streets of Dombivli, an RSS stronghold. In his early years, Chavan’s brash personality seemed at odds with the Sangh’s measured ethos. But as the RSS began to see the steel behind his demeanour, they embraced him as a valuable asset.

His foray into politics began modestly in 2000 when he contested local body elections as a corporator in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. It was here that he honed his skills as an organizer and problem-solver, traits that would define his later career. By 2009, he had risen to contest—and win—the Dombivli Assembly seat, a constituency he has held with an unbroken grip ever since.

In a profession that often rewards theatrics, Chavan stands out for his preference for the grind. Between 2016 and 2019, as Minister of State under Fadnavis, Chavan took charge of portfolios ranging from Medical Education to Consumer Protection. The Mumbai-Goa highway project, delayed during his stint as Public Works Minister in the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition, drew criticism. Yet, Chavan remained steadfast, earning a reputation as a man who delivers more than he promises—a rarity in the political landscape.

His efforts to expand the BJP’s footprint in traditionally hostile territories like Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg have further cemented his credentials. Under his stewardship, the party’s membership drive in December 2024 saw an addition of 1.5 crore new members in Maharashtra alone, a staggering achievement that required meticulous planning and an astute understanding of grassroots dynamics.

The hallmark of Chavan’s leadership is his unhurried approach to conflict. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he does not lunge at every provocation. Instead, he chooses his battles carefully, as evidenced by his dealings with political rival Shrikant Shinde, the son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Chavan’s calculated moves against the younger Shinde have elevated his stature within the BJP, earning him respect even from his adversaries.

His Maratha roots also add a layer of complexity and opportunity to his political journey. As the community’s demands for reservation grow louder, Chavan’s appointment signals the BJP’s intent to engage with Maratha concerns more directly.

Yet, he faces daunting challenges. Managing the delicate coalition dynamics of the BJP, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP is no small feat. The Shinde father-son duo, with their own ambitions, represent a potential flashpoint. The ongoing agitation for Maratha reservation, spearheaded by Manoj Jarange-Patil, adds another layer of volatility.

The upcoming local body and civic elections will be Chavan’s litmus test. As the BJP’s working president, he must balance the expectations of party loyalists, coalition partners and Maharashtra’s diverse electorate.

What sets Chavan apart is his synthesis of intelligence, strategy and people skills. His leadership style eschews grandstanding for substance. Instead, he prefers the quiet rigor of organizational work.

As he steps into his new role, Chavan is a reminder that leadership is as much about preparation as it is about performance. In Ravindra Chavan, the Maharashtra BJP has found a steady hand to guide it through turbulent times. Regardless of what the future holds, Maharashtra’s political landscape is undeniably richer for his presence.

(The author is a political observer. Views personal.)