BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in today as the 18th Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a grand ceremony at Azad Maidan, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other dignitaries. This marks Fadnavis’s third term as Chief Minister, following his previous tenures from 2014-2019 and a brief five-day stint in 2019.
The oath-taking ceremony, a culmination of weeks of political deliberation, also saw Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance had secured a landslide victory in the November 20 Assembly elections, winning 230 of the 288 seats, with the BJP alone securing a record 132 seats.
While Fadnavis’s appointment was unanimous in the BJP legislature party meeting, speculation surrounded Shinde’s role. After initial hesitation, Shinde agreed to take the Deputy Chief Minister’s position, ending the political impasse.
The event witnessed high security, with over 4,000 personnel, additional police commissioners, and special teams ensuring law and order. Nearly 42,000 attendees filled Azad Maidan, with elaborate seating arrangements for VVIPs and party supporters.
Fadnavis’s tenure as Deputy Chief Minister over the last two-and-a-half years saw a resurgence in his political stature, positioning him as the architect of the BJP’s historic victory. With strong support and an ambitious vision, Fadnavis vowed to lead Maharashtra toward progress and unity.
