Devendra Fadnavis Set for Third Term as Maharashtra Chief Minister

Devendra Fadnavis is all set to take oath as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time in a grand ceremony at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan.

The event, featuring a mix of political heavyweights, business tycoons, and Bollywood celebrities, underscores the historic nature of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition’s victory.

Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar will also be sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, completing the leadership of the new government.

The ceremony, scheduled for December 5, will be graced by prominent national and international figures, reflecting the coalition’s broad support.

A Grand Swearing-In Ceremony

The swearing-in ceremony is poised to be a star-studded affair. Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh are expected to attend, alongside cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with top Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from across the country, will also be present.

BJP leader Prasad Lad revealed that approximately 42,000 attendees are expected, including 40,000 BJP supporters and 2,000 VVIPs. Special arrangements have been made to accommodate leaders from various religious and social backgrounds.

Security Tightened Across Mumbai

Given the high-profile nature of the event, security in Mumbai has been significantly increased.

Joint Police Commissioner Satya Narayan Choudhary confirmed that over 4,000 police personnel, including 520 officers, are on duty.

Additional forces, such as the State Reserve Police Force, Quick Response Team, Riot Control Team, and Bomb Disposal Squad, have been deployed.

The area around Azad Maidan is being monitored through 8,000 CCTV cameras. Traffic diversions are in place, and attendees have been encouraged to use public transport due to limited parking facilities at the venue.

Devendra Fadnavis: A Journey to the Top

This marks Fadnavis’s third stint as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. His first term began in 2014, making him the youngest CM at the age of 44.

His second term, however, lasted only five days in 2019 due to political realignments when the Shiv Sena parted ways with the BJP.

At a BJP legislature party meeting, former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani proposed Fadnavis’s name as CM, which was unanimously supported.

The BJP’s success in the November 20 elections, where it won 132 of the 288 Assembly seats, cemented his leadership role.

Eknath Shinde Joins the Mahayuti 2.0 Government

After much speculation, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant confirmed Eknath Shinde’s role as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers. “We had a discussion with Devendra Fadnavis, who provided us a letter confirming Shinde’s position,” Samant said.

Shinde expressed satisfaction with the accomplishments of the Mahayuti government during the last two and a half years, calling them “historic decisions that will be written in golden letters.”

While he initially kept the suspense alive regarding his role in the new cabinet, he later hinted at clarity by the evening.

Ajit Pawar’s Role in the New Government

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will also take oath as a Deputy Chief Minister. Pawar, known for his political wit, lightheartedly referenced his infamous early-morning oath-taking ceremony with Fadnavis in 2019. This time, however, his role in the new government is clear and firmly established.

Mahayuti Coalition’s Commanding Victory

The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, which includes the Shiv Sena and NCP, achieved a commanding majority in the state elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats.

The BJP’s tally of 132 seats is its highest-ever performance in Maharashtra, while the Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

The coalition’s strength and unity have been emphasized throughout the government formation process, with leaders highlighting the collaborative atmosphere of the alliance.

Preparations for Governance and Key Portfolios

Sources revealed that Eknath Shinde is eyeing the Home Department portfolio along with his Deputy CM post. Discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to finalize key cabinet positions post-swearing-in.

The BJP has assured the public that the government will focus on fulfilling promises made during the elections.

At a press conference, Fadnavis emphasized the Mahayuti’s commitment to development, stating, “This government will deliver on the expectations of the people of Maharashtra.”

Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar: A Unified Leadership

The new government brings together seasoned leaders, each with a distinct role. Fadnavis, as CM, will lead from the front, supported by Shinde and Pawar as deputies.

The coalition represents a balance of experience, vision, and grassroots connect, aiming to drive Maharashtra’s development forward.

The swearing-in ceremony symbolizes not just a political transition but a renewed commitment to the state’s progress. As Maharashtra moves into a new chapter of governance, the expectations from this leadership trio are immense.