Devendra Fadnavis Set to Return as Maharashtra Chief Minister; Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar Named Deputy CMs
In a major political development in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis is all set to take oath as the Chief Minister for the third time. This follows his election as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) legislative party unit and subsequent claim to form the government in the state. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5 at 5:30 PM at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, a significant event that will also see Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar taking oath as Deputy Chief Ministers.
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The event is expected to be a grand affair, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other senior BJP leaders and dignitaries in attendance. This marks a new chapter in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance taking the reins of power.
The Return of a Veteran Leader
Devendra Fadnavis, 54, is no stranger to the role of Chief Minister. A staunch Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) loyalist, Fadnavis previously held the CM’s post from 2014 to 2019 and briefly in November 2019 during a five-day political drama. Known as a prominent BJP face in Maharashtra, his leadership has been instrumental in the party’s significant achievements in the state.
The 2024 assembly elections have proven to be a turning point for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. The coalition, which includes Fadnavis’s BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), secured a historic victory by winning 235 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. This resounding mandate effectively ousted the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which managed to win just 50 seats.
Mahayuti’s Impressive Performance
The BJP emerged as the largest party within the Mahayuti alliance, winning 132 seats, marking a significant improvement from its 105-seat tally in 2019. Shinde’s Sena secured 57 seats, while the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar contributed 41 seats to the alliance’s total. This comprehensive victory highlights the resurgence of the BJP in Maharashtra politics and the effectiveness of its coalition strategy.
Fadnavis acknowledged the team effort behind the victory, stating, “I have personally requested Shinde Saheb to be part of the new government. The post of Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister are just technicalities. All three of us will work together for the state.” This unity among the alliance partners underscores their commitment to prioritizing Maharashtra’s development over individual positions.
Behind the Scenes: Decision-Making Process
The decision to nominate Fadnavis as the Chief Minister was finalized during a BJP core committee meeting on December 4. This meeting, the highest decision-making platform within the party, unanimously endorsed Fadnavis’s candidature. Following this, he was formally elected as the leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party, paving the way for his return to the CM’s office.
The announcement put to rest days of speculation regarding the leadership of the Mahayuti government. Fadnavis, along with Shinde and Pawar, met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake the claim to form the government. The alliance boasts the support of 236 MLAs, ensuring a stable government.
Shinde, who served as the outgoing Chief Minister, agreed to take on the role of Deputy Chief Minister in the new government. This decision was reportedly finalized after a meeting between Fadnavis and Shinde on December 3 at the latter’s official residence in Mumbai.
Grand Swearing-In Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to draw a massive crowd of over 40,000 people, including political leaders, film personalities, foreign diplomats, and beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin welfare scheme. Special arrangements have been made to accommodate the large gathering, with seating provisions for 2,000 VVIPs. The presence of prominent leaders like PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah underscores the significance of the event.
Additionally, Chief Ministers from various NDA-ruled states and former Maharashtra Chief Ministers will also attend the ceremony, further highlighting the political importance of this transition. The event is expected to showcase the unity and strength of the Mahayuti alliance.
Implications for Maharashtra
The formation of the Mahayuti government marks a significant shift in Maharashtra’s political dynamics. With a clear majority in the assembly, the BJP and its allies are poised to implement their development agenda without major roadblocks. The alliance has promised to focus on infrastructure development, agricultural reforms, and welfare initiatives for the state’s citizens.
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Under Fadnavis’s leadership, the BJP aims to build on its recent success and strengthen its position in Maharashtra. The inclusion of Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Ministers reflects the coalition’s strategy to balance power and maintain unity among its constituents.
Conclusion
The return of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister, supported by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, signifies a new era for Maharashtra. The resounding victory of the Mahayuti alliance in the 2024 assembly elections has set the stage for a stable and development-focused government. As the state looks forward to this leadership transition, all eyes will be on the Mahayuti government to deliver on its promises and steer Maharashtra toward progress and prosperity.