In a significant political development, Devendra Fadnavis, veteran BJP leader, is set to take oath as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for third time at a grand ceremony on Thursday. event will take place at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, and will feature swearing-in of Ajit Pawar from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena chief, as Deputy Chief Ministers.
event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders, and Chief Ministers from across India, making it a momentous occasion for BJP-led Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) government in Maharashtra.
Celebratory Atmosphere in Mumbai
atmosphere around Azad Maidan is charged with excitement and celebration. Posters featuring Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar adorn area, symbolizing alliance’s triumph in 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Security measures have been heightened, and a festive mood prevails as BJP workers and alliance supporters gather to witness political milestone.
Journey to Oath-Taking
BJP Legislature Party Meeting
On Wednesday, following days of political speculation, Devendra Fadnavis was unanimously elected as BJP Legislature Party leader during a crucial meeting at Vidhan Bhawan. decision was announced by Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, who acted as BJP’s central observer.
Alliance Leadership
After his selection, Fadnavis, accompanied by Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake their claim to form government. move marked culmination of intricate political maneuvering and negotiations within Mahayuti alliance.
2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election Results
2024 Assembly elections in Maharashtra were a resounding success for BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which secured an overwhelming majority of 235 seats in 288-member Assembly.
| Party | Seats Won |
| BJP | 132 |
| Shiv Sena | 57 |
| NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) | 41 |
In stark contrast, opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance faced a major setback:
| Party | Seats Won |
| Congress | 16 |
| Shiv Sena (UBT faction) | 20 |
| NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) | 10 |
Devendra Fadnavis: Leader
Political Career
Devendra Fadnavis has been a pillar of BJP in Maharashtra politics. Representing Nagpur South West constituency since 1999, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to secure victories against formidable opponents.
In 2024 elections, Fadnavis successfully defended his seat, defeating Congress candidate Prafulla Vinodrao Gudadhe.
Previous Terms as Chief Minister
Fadnavis served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister from:
- 2014 to 2019, leading a stable government.
- A brief term in 2019, where he formed a short-lived government with Ajit Pawar, which collapsed within days.
His leadership during these terms is remembered for infrastructure development and economic reforms in state.
Ajit Pawar: A Familiar Role
For Ajit Pawar, this marks another stint as Deputy Chief Minister under Fadnavis. Known for his political acumen and administrative capabilities, Pawar brings experience and a strategic edge to alliance.
In 2019, Pawar briefly aligned with Fadnavis during an early-morning swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan, a move that became a focal point in Maharashtra’s political history. Despite its short tenure, this partnership laid groundwork for future collaboration.
Eknath Shinde: Steadfast Ally
Eknath Shinde, who aspired to become Chief Minister, has pledged unwavering support to Fadnavis and alliance. Shinde’s commitment to Mahayuti vision reflects unity within alliance, despite earlier speculations about leadership disputes.
Shinde’s leadership within Shiv Sena has bolstered BJP’s efforts to consolidate power in Maharashtra, especially in rural and urban constituencies.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Fadnavis-Shinde-Pawar government faces several challenges, including:
- Economic Development:
- Reviving Maharashtra’s economy post-pandemic and ensuring equitable growth.
- Agricultural Reforms:
- Addressing farmers’ concerns and implementing sustainable agricultural policies.
- Infrastructure Projects:
- Accelerating mega infrastructure projects, including metro expansions and expressways.
- Political Stability:
- Maintaining harmony within diverse alliance to ensure smooth governance.
National Implications
formation of Mahayuti government under Fadnavis is expected to strengthen BJP’s position in Maharashtra ahead of 2026 Assembly elections and 2029 General Elections.
Key Benefits for NDA:
- Regional Strength:
Consolidating power in Maharashtra, one of India’s most politically significant states. - Strategic Alliances:
Strengthening ties with Shiv Sena and NCP factions to counter opposition alliances like MVA. - Policy Implementation:
Facilitating rollout of national policies and initiatives in Maharashtra.
Conclusion
swearing-in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde as Deputy Chief Ministers, marks a new chapter in state’s political landscape. With a decisive mandate and a robust alliance, Mahayuti government has a unique opportunity to deliver on its promises and steer Maharashtra toward growth and stability.
As celebrations at Azad Maidan set tone for this new government, focus will soon shift to governance and meeting high expectations of people of Maharashtra.
Disclaimer
This article on Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM Today, Ajit Pawar, Shinde as Deputies is based on publicly available information and credible sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify details independently. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
