Fadnavis' poll planning led to defeat of former Goa CM: Goa BJP leader

Maharashtra Chief Minister designate Devendra Fadnavis' meticulous planning led to the defeat of former Goa Chief Minister Dr Wilfred D'Souza during the 2007 Assembly polls in the neighbouring state, a BJP leader said.

Fadnavis, the 44-year-old fourth term MLA from Nagpur South West seat, was yesterday elected BJP Legislature Party leader and will be sworn in as first Maharashtra Chief Minister from the party on Friday.

Fadnavis was the poll-incharge of Saligao and Aldona constituencies in Goa during the 2007 state elections. He was a master-planner and it was because of his meticulous planning that veteran politician and former state CM Dr Wilfred D'Souza faced defeat in his home constituency Saligao that time, Goa state BJP executive member Juino De Souza recalled.

"I found Devendra simple and down to earth. He stayed in a modest hotel along the Porvorim Highway and was very punctual in keeping his appointments. He would be ready by 8 a.m sharp, by which time I would collect him and we would sit and discuss strategies over a cup of tea before proceeding for campaigning work," said Juino, who was in Mumbai to campaign for BJP candidates during the recently held Maharashtra Assembly polls.

He remembered Devendra as one who spoke very little and was a good listener.

"I always found him calm, cool and composed even in the most tense situations. Being the sitting MLA from Nagpur, he used his tact, experience and skills in working new strategies for covering the constituencies," he said.

"During public meetings, Fadnavis never took a position on the dais, but would be seen standing quietly on the side keenly observing and evaluating the success and strength of the crowd at each gathering," Juino said.