Devendra Fadnavis is all set to assume office as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time, marking a significant milestone in his political career. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on December 5, at 5:30 PM, following the Mahayuti alliance’s decisive electoral victory in the state assembly elections. This win, which saw the alliance securing a remarkable 230 out of 288 seats, has paved the way for a stable government after weeks of political deliberations and negotiations.
In a major development, Fadnavis extended an invitation to Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, requesting him to join the Cabinet as his deputy. Shinde, after some consideration and discussions, accepted the offer, signaling unity within the alliance. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has also confirmed his participation as another Deputy Chief Minister, cementing a broad-based coalition aimed at delivering effective governance in Maharashtra. The ceremony will be graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the importance of this event.
Fadnavis expressed gratitude to both Shinde and Ajit Pawar for their formal letters of support, describing their backing as essential for the formation of the new government. He emphasized that the designations of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers were merely technical, assuring that decisions would be taken collectively to ensure a collaborative and efficient administration. This approach aims to reinforce trust within the alliance and deliver on the promises made to the people of Maharashtra during the elections.
The process of government formation has not been without its challenges. Eknath Shinde, who previously served as Chief Minister, had initially insisted on retaining significant influence within the government. He demanded the Home Department portfolio in addition to the Deputy Chief Minister post, stating his unwillingness to join the administration otherwise. Fadnavis, demonstrating his negotiation skills, engaged in discussions with Shinde and assured him that his demands would be conveyed to the BJP high command, eventually reaching a resolution that satisfied all stakeholders.
The decision to nominate Fadnavis as the Chief Minister was finalized during a high-level BJP meeting. His name was proposed by Vijay Rupani, the party’s observer, and was unanimously seconded by senior leaders like Sudhir Mungantiwar and Pankaja Munde. Fadnavis’s strategic leadership during the elections, which resulted in the BJP winning 132 out of the 149 seats it contested, played a pivotal role in securing this position. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and maintain alliances has solidified his reputation as a dependable and dynamic leader.
Fadnavis’s political journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. At the age of 44, he became Maharashtra’s second-youngest Chief Minister in 2014, leading a coalition government with the then-undivided Shiv Sena. However, after the 2019 assembly elections, a disagreement over the rotational Chief Minister arrangement led to a split with the Shiv Sena. Fadnavis briefly formed a government with Ajit Pawar, but it collapsed within 80 hours as Pawar returned to the NCP fold. In 2022, Fadnavis served as Deputy Chief Minister under Eknath Shinde, showcasing his willingness to prioritize the alliance over personal ambitions.
The Mahayuti coalition’s success in the recent elections and the subsequent formation of the government highlight Fadnavis’s ability to bring together diverse factions and foster unity within the alliance. His third term as Chief Minister is expected to focus on delivering good governance, addressing developmental challenges, and fulfilling the aspirations of Maharashtra’s citizens. With a strong mandate and a unified leadership team, the new government is poised to steer the state toward growth and stability.
This swearing-in ceremony also symbolizes a moment of consolidation for the BJP and its allies, reaffirming their commitment to work collaboratively for the welfare of the state. As Maharashtra’s political landscape evolves, Fadnavis’s leadership will likely play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory, ensuring that the promises made during the campaign translate into tangible outcomes for the people.
