Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis is set to be sworn in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister today at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, following the Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory in the recent state assembly elections. The event, scheduled for 5:30 pm, will also witness Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar assuming office as Deputy Chief Ministers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several NDA leaders and Chief Ministers, is expected to attend the high-profile ceremony.
This marks Fadnavis’ third term as Chief Minister. On Wednesday, he was unanimously chosen as the Leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party, ending days of speculation regarding the top post. Accompanied by Shinde and Pawar, he met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake the claim for government formation.
Fadnavis expressed confidence in delivering on the alliance’s promises, stating, “The Mahayuti government is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Maharashtra.” Despite initial aspirations from Shinde to lead, he agreed to support Fadnavis after discussions within the alliance.
Eknath Shinde lauded the achievements of the alliance over the past 2.5 years, calling their governance “historic” and a model of effective leadership. Ajit Pawar echoed this sentiment, pledging efficient management and cohesive decision-making under the BJP’s Chandrashekhar Bawankule and NCP’s Sunil Tatkare.
A light-hearted moment at a press conference saw Shinde and Pawar engaging in witty banter regarding the oath-taking schedule, bringing levity to an otherwise formal occasion.
The Mahayuti alliance’s overwhelming majority in the 2024 elections, securing 235 out of 288 seats, underscores a significant shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The BJP claimed 132 seats, while Shiv Sena and the NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi suffered heavy losses, signaling a decisive mandate for the BJP-led coalition as it prepares to govern the state.
