Vikhe Patil named BJP state unit’s vice-president, Dhananjay Mahadik’s son appointed prez of party’s Maha youth wing

Nashik/Kolhapur: BJP state president Ravindra Chavan on Tuesday announced the new office bearers of the state unit with former Ahilyanagar MP Sujay Vikhe Patil being appointed vice-president of Maharashtra BJP. Krishnaraj Mahadik, a vlogger and son of BJP's Rajya Sabha member Dhananjay Mahadik, has been named state president of the party's youth wing. Krishnaraj, a former motor racer, started vlogging since last few years and has fan following among the young generation. He stepped into politics by actively campaigning for BJP candidates. Recently, in Kolhapur Municipal Corporation election he filed nomination but withdrew later after party decided not to nominate relatives of the prominent leaders. "Krishnaraj's identity is independent. He is known for his social work. I am sure that he will live up to the trust and responsibility has been given by state BJP president Ravindra Chavan," Dhananjay said. Political analysts said Vikhe Patil's appointment marked the first instance in which members of the family, already represented in a constitutional role by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, would also hold a significant organisational position within the party. While a section of party workers viewed the move as the family strengthening its influence over both the party and the region, others believed it sidelined long-time party workers in favour of a prominent political family.A senior BJP functionary said although Sujay lost the Lok Sabha election to NCP (SP) leader Nilesh Lanke, he strengthened his standing by ensuring the victory of Shiv Sena's Amol Khatal in the Sangamner Assembly seat. "He also played a key role in securing wins for BJP and its allies in council and corporation elections," the functionary said.The political analysts said BJP's decision to assign greater responsibility to Sujay was seen as a reward for his efforts and a strategy to expand the BJP's presence in rural Ahilyanagar. Despite increasing its assembly tally by just one seat, BJP performed well in both council and corporation elections.Several veteran party members, however, criticised the decision, arguing that it consolidated power within the Vikhe Patil family. "Earlier, party office bearers played a major role in candidate selection and election strategy, but with Radhakrishna as cabinet minister and Sujay as state unit vice-president, local leadership might now be overshadowed," a party member said.Another view emerging within the party is that this appointment may be intended to keep Sujay away from the upcoming Rahuri assembly bypolls, following the death of Shivaji Kardile, and to accommodate other possibilities, including the political rehabilitation of Vivek Kolhe from Kopargaon, who had earlier stepped down in favour of the party.A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) first-time corporator from Ghatkopar has been appointed the party's new chief spokesperson, replacing Keshav Upadhye, while MLC Chitra Wagh continues as the head of the Mahila Morcha.BJP state president Chavan said the delay in announcing the executive committee was due to the election code of conduct for successive elections. The appointments, he said, were made in consultation with party's national president Navin Nabin, Union home minister Amit Shah and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.(With inputs from Clara Lewis in Mumbai)