In 2019, Devendra Fadnavis served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a brief 80-hour stint. This became a point of ridicule for the opposition. Responding to the jibes, Fadnavis remarked in the Assembly on December 1, 2019,
'Do not settle by the shore while seeing me recede, I am the ocean, I shall return again...'
Nearly five years later, Fadnavis is set to transform his poetic pledge into reality. Today at 5:30 PM, Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis will be sworn in as Chief Minister for the third time at Mumbai's Azad Maidan.
Today, only the Chief Minister and two Deputy CMs will be sworn in. The appointment of Ajit Pawar from the NCP as Deputy CM is confirmed. Discussions are ongoing about Eknath Shinde also becoming Deputy CM but clarity is yet to be achieved. Shinde is reportedly demanding both the Deputy CM post and the Home Ministry. He has made it clear that he will not join the government if he does not receive the Home Ministry.
To encourage him, Fadnavis engaged in a 40-minute conversation at Shinde’s residence 'Varsha'. Fadnavis assured him that he will discuss his demands with the top brass of the BJP. It is reported that the allocation of ministries among the grand alliance's three parties—BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—has already been decided. The Home Ministry is expected to remain with the BJP. It is suggested that the BJP will have around 21-22 departments, Shiv Sena 12, and NCP 9-10.
After presenting the claim to form the government before Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday, Fadnavis stated, "I had a meeting with Eknath Shinde and expressed that the workers of the grand alliance desire his participation in this government. I am confident he will stay with us. We are committed to fulfilling our promises to the people."
All Day Efforts to Win Over Shinde
The formation of the new government in Maharashtra is set for today, yet clarity on Shinde's role remains absent. Efforts have been ongoing all day to persuade him to take the position of Deputy CM. Party legislators expressed that they have been meeting Shinde since morning, encouraging him to become a part of the new government.
Bharat Gogawale, a legislator from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), said, “We urged him to join the new government as it would benefit both the government and the party. A party leader mentioned that all legislators and MPs want Eknath Shinde to join the new government.”
However, Shinde doesn’t seem particularly pleased about receiving the Deputy CM position. Even on Wednesday, at a press conference, when asked if he and Ajit Pawar would take the oath as Deputy CMs, Shinde responded, 'Wait until the evening. The swearing-in ceremony is tomorrow.'
Earlier, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant mentioned that Shinde should become the Deputy CM and this is the desire of Shiv Sainiks, legislators, and MPs.
Source: aajtak
An Exceptional Invitation Card This Time
The invitation card prepared for the swearing-in ceremony stands out. The card names the new Chief Minister as 'Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis', including the names of his mother, Sarita, and father, Gangadharrao.
In the election affidavit, Fadnavis wrote his name as 'Devendra Gangadhar Fadnavis' this time. During the 2014 and 2019 ceremonies, his mother's name was not included on the invitation card.
Over 40,000 People Expected at the Swearing-In
The new government's swearing-in is set to occur at Azad Maidan, South Mumbai. BJP leader Prasad Lad mentioned that more than 42,000 people will be present at this event. Prime Minister Modi, 9-10 Union Ministers, 19 Chief Ministers, and Deputy CMs are expected to attend.
He shared that special arrangements have been made for 40,000 BJP supporters. Separate seating arrangements for 2,000 VVIPs have been organized. Several religious leaders will also be present at the event.
Fadnavis to Become Chief Minister for the Third Time
Fadnavis, representing the Nagpur South-West seat, is about to become Chief Minister for the third time. After the 2014 elections, Fadnavis was appointed as the first BJP Chief Minister in Maharashtra. He took the oath for the second time in 2019 but had to resign three days later. Now, Fadnavis is set to assume the Chief Minister post for the third time.
Fadnavis began his political career at 22 as a councilor, becoming the country's youngest councilor. In 1997, he became Nagpur Municipal Corporation's youngest mayor. First elected as a legislator from the Nagpur West seat in 1999, he continued to win the elections in 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024, marking a consistent sixth-term victory.
Source: aajtak
Elaborate Security Arrangements
Comprehensive security arrangements have been made for the swearing-in ceremony. An official shared that over 4,000 policemen have been deployed. The security setup includes 3,500 police personnel and 520 officers.
Additionally, a platoon from the State Reserve Police Force, Quick Response Teams, Riot Control Teams, Delta, Combat Teams, and Bomb Squads have been positioned for security.
Election Results in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra's elections, the grand alliance secured 232 seats. The BJP won 132, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) 57, and Ajit Pawar's NCP 41 seats. Two alliance parties secured victory on one seat each.
Conversely, the opposition coalition Maha Vikas Aghadi experienced a significant setback. Thackeray's Shiv Sena managed to win 20 seats, Sharad Pawar's NCP 10, and Congress won only 16 seats.
