In a dramatic political turn, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening, marking his third tenure at the helm of the state government. The ceremony, held at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, concluded nearly two weeks of intense negotiations and political suspense following the Mahayuti alliance’s resounding victory in last month’s elections.
Key Leadership Roles
The new government maintains the 1+2 leadership structure, with Fadnavis as Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers. Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP stalwart Ajit Pawar will serve as the Deputy Chief Ministers.
The decision to reappoint Fadnavis underscores the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) faith in his leadership and administrative capabilities. Known for his governance acumen, Fadnavis has previously served two terms as Chief Minister and is a six-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
Challenges and Political Maneuvering
The swearing-in followed weeks of political intrigue, marked by back-and-forth deliberations within the Mahayuti alliance over the Chief Minister’s post. Eknath Shinde, who previously served as Chief Minister, expressed reservations during the negotiations, leading to speculation about last-minute changes. However, the impasse was resolved, with Shinde pledging his support to Fadnavis in a show of unity.
Ajit Pawar, whose leadership within the Nationalist Congress Party played a pivotal role in the alliance’s electoral success, retained his Deputy Chief Minister position, signaling continuity and stability within the coalition.
Fadnavis’s Legacy and Future Goals
Devendra Fadnavis’s third term comes with high expectations as Maharashtra navigates critical challenges, including economic recovery, infrastructure development, and agricultural reform. The BJP leader’s prior tenure was marked by significant achievements in urban development, irrigation, and financial governance, which helped consolidate his position as a favorite for the Chief Minister role.
In his inaugural address, Fadnavis emphasized the importance of unity within the alliance and pledged to prioritize the welfare of Maharashtra’s citizens. “This is not just a victory for the Mahayuti alliance; it is a mandate for development, stability, and a prosperous future for Maharashtra,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony added another chapter to the rich political history of Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, a site synonymous with landmark political events. The event was attended by prominent leaders from the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, along with a large gathering of supporters.
A Unified Mahayuti Claims Power
After weeks of intense negotiations and political maneuvering, the Mahayuti coalition officially staked its claim to form the government. Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar presented their letters of support to Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, marking the coalition’s formal bid for power.
Speaking about the alliance, Fadnavis said, “I met Eknath Shinde and requested him to join us in this government, as it is the wish of MahaYuti workers. We will fulfill the promises made to the people of Maharashtra.”
BJP’s Commanding Victory
The BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the recent Assembly elections, securing 132 seats. The Mahayuti alliance achieved a landslide victory, winning 235 out of 288 seats. The Shiv Sena and NCP contributed significantly, adding 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
ALSO READ: Day after visit to Eknath Shinde, BJP sources say Devendra Fadnavis to become Maharashtra CM
In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition suffered a crushing defeat, with Congress managing just 16 seats, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction securing 10, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) winning 20.
Fadnavis Returns to the Helm
Devendra Fadnavis’ return as Chief Minister comes after his unanimous election as the Leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party on Wednesday. BJP’s central observer Vijay Rupani announced his leadership, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman termed the Mahayuti alliance a “double engine government” set to drive Maharashtra’s development.
This marks a remarkable comeback for Fadnavis, who last served as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019.
Shinde Reflects on Past Success
Eknath Shinde, who served as Chief Minister in the outgoing government, expressed satisfaction with the alliance’s governance over the past two-and-a-half years. “The work done by our government—the MahaYuti government—by the three of us and our team in the last 2.5 years is remarkable. It will be written in golden letters in history,” Shinde said.
Mumbai’s Azad Maidan has been transformed into a high-security zone for the event. Over 4,000 police personnel, including the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Quick Response Teams (QRT), and bomb disposal squads, have been deployed.
Traffic in South Mumbai is being managed by 280 personnel from the traffic wing to ensure smooth movement. The event is expected to draw an audience of 42,000 people, including 2,000 VIPs such as religious and political leaders.
A Bright Future Ahead?
With the Mahayuti alliance now firmly in control, Maharashtra is poised for what its leaders are calling a “golden era” of development. The coalition has promised to focus on growth, stability, and delivering on key promises made to voters during the election campaign.
As the political heavyweights gather in Mumbai today, all eyes will be on the new cabinet and its vision for the future of Maharashtra.
