In a grand ceremony held at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan at 5:30 pm, Devendra Fadnavis took the oath as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were also sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, putting an end to speculation about Shinde’s role and marking Pawar’s sixth tenure in this position. The event was a political and cultural spectacle, featuring prominent leaders and iconic personalities.
Ahead of the ceremony, rumors swirled regarding Eknath Shinde’s dissatisfaction over his name being omitted from the official invitation. However, leaders from the Shinde faction clarified early in the day that Shinde would indeed take the oath as Deputy CM.
Upon his swearing-in, Shinde paid tribute to his political mentor, the late Balasaheb Thackeray, founder of the Shiv Sena, underscoring his commitment to the party’s core ideals. His handshake with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the dais symbolized unity and quashed rumors of discord.
Ajit Pawar once again cemented his place in Maharashtra’s political hierarchy by assuming the role of Deputy Chief Minister for the sixth time. A day prior, Pawar confidently assured the media of his participation, stating that any ambiguity regarding Shinde’s position would be clarified during the ceremony. His steady demeanor silenced speculation and underscored his political prowess.
The swearing-in ceremony saw the convergence of politics and entertainment, as Bollywood, cricket, and industry giants lent their star power to the event. Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan made stylish appearances, while actors Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor added energy with their animated camaraderie. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and business tycoon Mukesh Ambani were also present, emphasizing the event’s high-profile nature.
The event drew an impressive array of political dignitaries, further highlighting its national significance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP stalwart Nitin Gadkari were among those in attendance. Chief Ministers from several states, including Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Madhya Pradesh), also graced the occasion, demonstrating the ceremony’s wide-reaching political importance.
Eknath Shinde’s transition from Chief Minister to Deputy Chief Minister marks a notable chapter in Maharashtra’s political history. He is now the second leader in the state, following Devendra Fadnavis, to make this unique shift. This move reflects the evolving dynamics within the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance and highlights the complexities of Maharashtra’s coalition politics.
The grand ceremony at Azad Maidan symbolized more than a political reshuffle; it underscored the balance of continuity and change in Maharashtras governance. The presence of high-profile guests, both political and cultural, elevated the event into a historic spectacle. Devendra Fadnavis’s return as Chief Minister, coupled with the continued roles of Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, signals a new phase in the state’s political journey—one marked by strategic alliances and evolving leadership roles.
