Proud of Devendra, says his better half

By Kartik Lokhande 
Devendra Fadnavis is a mass leader. He got elected as MLA for fourth time. He is Maharashtra chief of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is top contender for the post of Chief Minister. Everyone knows Devendra Fadnavis and these things about him, but not many know about his better half -- Amruta.
On Sunday, when Devendra Fadnavis got elected from South-West Nagpur constituency of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly with a thumping margin, Amruta accompanied him right from the airport to the counting centre where he received certificate of his victory. Soon after receiving certificate, Devendra was gheraoed by mediapersons to get his comment on stupendous performance of BJP in State under his leadership. As cameras flashed and mediamen surrounded him, standing in a corner nearby Amruta was watching her husband with pride.

BJP stalwart and South-West Nagpur MLA Devendra Fadnavis with his wife Amruta, and BJP leaders during victory rally after his election to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. (Photo courtesy: Satish Raut/The Hitavada)

The frames of hectic campaigning for Devendra in his absence must have flashed before her eyes in that moment. Being State BJP chief, Devendra Fadnavis had to travel across Maharashtra to campaign for other candidates of the party. In his absence, it was Amruta who took care of his campaign with the help of senior leaders and workers of the party. Amruta herself addressed several small meetings of 50-60 people in different parts of South-West Nagpur constituency. And, with every meeting, she was confident about her husband’s outstanding victory.
Smeared in ‘gulaal’ and radiating with joy, Amruta was obviously very happy for Devendra. “He deserves this. For, with his sheer hard work and dedication to the party, he has earned love and support of people of Maharashtra,” said Amruta while talking to ‘The Hitavada’. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Devendra as a ‘gift of Nagpur to Maharashtra’, Amruta felt very proud. “Today, as I see Devendra being considered as Chief Ministerial candidate, my joy knows no bounds. Of course, I am aware that there are many able leaders in BJP and the final decision will be taken by Parliamentary Board of the party,” she said while replying to a question.
Being entrusted with lot many responsibilities, Devendra Fadnavis keeps travelling to Mumbai, Delhi, and other places across the country and even abroad. As a result, he is unable to spend much of his time at home. Does she feel disappointed as wife? “He has never given enough time at home,” she says with a laugh, and adds, “but, we are okay with this for one simple reason. We are aware that he has to take care of a larger picture and people are looking at him as their leader.” Doesn’t their little daughter Divija insist on father’s company? “Of course, she does. But, when we tell her about her father’s larger responsibilities, she understands,” added Amruta before parting to receive greetings from party workers.