Devendra Fadnavis Sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister for Third Term
Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP leader, will take the oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time today, marking a significant political milestone. Eknath Shinde from the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar from the NCP will also be sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, joining the newly-formed MahaYuti cabinet.
Key Highlights:
MahaYuti Alliance Forms Government
After weeks of intense political negotiations, Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar officially presented their letters of support to Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, claiming the mandate to form the state government. This formal step followed the decisive victory of the MahaYuti alliance in the recent elections.
Swearing-in Ceremony Details
The grand ceremony is set to take place at 5:30 pm at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, along with various dignitaries, including Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states, adding a national dimension to the event.
Fadnavis’ Vision for Maharashtra
Ahead of the ceremony, Fadnavis emphasized his commitment to the people of Maharashtra, stating, “I invited Eknath Shinde to join the government as it reflects the wishes of MahaYuti workers. Together, we will honor the promises made to the people of Maharashtra and work towards their welfare.” His remarks highlighted the collaborative nature of the alliance and its focus on fulfilling electoral commitments.
MahaYuti’s Resounding Victory
The MahaYuti alliance delivered a historic victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing 235 out of the 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena won 57 seats and the NCP captured 41 seats. This victory has cemented the alliance’s dominance in the state’s political landscape.
Opposition’s Disappointing Performance
In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faced a crushing defeat. The Congress party secured a mere 16 seats, while Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction garnered only 10. The Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 20 seats, leaving the MVA far behind in the political race.
A “Double Engine Government”
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised the new government, referring to it as a “double engine government” that would accelerate the state’s development, citing the synergy between the state and central leadership in driving progress.
Eknath Shinde Reflects on Past Governance
Expressing his pride in the achievements of the outgoing MahaYuti government, Eknath Shinde remarked, “The last 2.5 years have been remarkable. Our achievements will be etched in golden letters in history, as we have worked diligently for the betterment of the state.”
Tight Security Arrangements
The venue, Azad Maidan, has been fortified with over 4,000 police personnel, including specialized units like the State Reserve Police Force, Quick Response Teams, and bomb disposal squads. Traffic management across South Mumbai will involve 280 personnel to ensure smooth operations during the event.
Expected Attendance
The swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to draw around 42,000 attendees, with arrangements in place for 2,000 VIPs, including political, religious, and social leaders from across the nation.
A New Chapter for Maharashtra
Devendra Fadnavis’ return as Chief Minister marks a fresh beginning for the state, with promises of stability, development, and a renewed focus on governance under the MahaYuti alliance. As the government sets its course for the next term, all eyes are on the progress and reforms it promises to bring to Maharashtra.