Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde created a notable stir during the official swearing-in ceremony for Maharashtra's Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers on Thursday when he went off script, delivering an unscheduled speech that left many leaders on stage visibly uncomfortable. This ceremonial event, held under the strict protocols of the Constitution, was momentarily disrupted as Shinde chose to diverge from the formal oath-taking format to make personal acknowledgments and express gratitude, a move that is not only unusual but also breaches established guidelines.
The ceremony, conducted by Governor CP Radhakrishnan, began smoothly until Shinde, in an apparent moment of zeal, interrupted the proceedings to deliver an impromptu address. Deviating from the mandated oath, Shinde praised Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, referring to him as "Hindu Hriday Samrat," and went on to extol Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the people of Maharashtra. While his words were meant to be laudatory, they were delivered in a setting where any addition or deviation from the prescribed oath can lead to significant procedural issues.
Constitutional expert PDT Achary explained the gravity of adhering to the oath's exact format as outlined in the Third Schedule of the Constitution. He emphasized that any addition, subtraction, or deviation from the official script renders the oath invalid. "The swearing-in ceremony is a solemn occasion," Achary noted, adding that remarks made beyond the official wording do not form part of the official record. In this instance, the Governor intervened to halt Shinde’s speech and instructed him to restart, ensuring the oath was taken in compliance with protocol. While this rectification ensured the validity of Shinde’s appointment, the incident cast a shadow over the ceremony.
The unsanctioned remarks left senior political leaders on stage visibly puzzled and uncomfortable. Among those present were prominent BJP Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Bhajanlal Sharma, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Mohan Majhi, and Nayab Singh Saini, alongside NDA partners such as Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar. The event also included Union ministers and other dignitaries, whose attendance underscored the high-profile nature of the occasion. Shinde’s deviation briefly stalled the proceedings, adding an unexpected note of informality to an otherwise meticulously planned event.
Shinde's speech, though intended to showcase his allegiance and gratitude, was criticized for being out of place. A swearing-in ceremony is fundamentally a constitutional obligation rather than a political platform, and such moments demand adherence to the solemnity and gravity of the occasion. Political leaders often seize moments to appeal to their supporters or gain public recognition, but the stage of an oath-taking ceremony, especially one of this magnitude, was widely perceived as inappropriate for such gestures.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of Eknath Shinde viewed the moment as a heartfelt expression of loyalty to his political mentors and the people of Maharashtra, while critics pointed to the breach of decorum and the discomfort it caused among the dignitaries present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in attendance, reportedly maintained his composure, but many speculated that the moment left him and other leaders red-faced.
Despite the controversy, the ceremony eventually proceeded as planned, with Devendra Fadnavis taking the oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. As the new government takes charge, the focus is expected to shift from this ceremonial hiccup to pressing governance issues, including fulfilling the promises outlined in the election manifesto. Shinde, now officially in office, will likely work to move past this incident and focus on contributing to the state’s administration under the leadership of Chief Minister Fadnavis.
