Today, December 5, marks a significant day in Maharashtra’s political landscape as Devendra Fadnavis is set to be sworn in as Chief Minister for the third time. The ceremony will take place at 5:30 pm at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan.
Alongside Fadnavis, NCP leader Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister for a record sixth time, while Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde will also assume the role of Deputy CM. Shinde’s shift from Chief Minister to Deputy CM makes him the second leader in Maharashtra to transition between these positions, following Fadnavis himself.
The swearing-in ceremony will be a grand affair, attended by top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Other prominent leaders such as Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President JP Nadda will also be present. Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states are expected to attend, along with 400 invited saints from across the country, adding a unique spiritual dimension to the event.
Posters celebrating Fadnavis have already been put up around Azad Maidan by his supporters, underscoring the festive atmosphere. This will be Fadnavis’s third term as CM, solidifying his stature within Maharashtra’s political hierarchy. He first took office in October 2014 at the age of 44, becoming the youngest Chief Minister in the state’s history. His second term, however, was brief, lasting only five days in November 2019, following a political fallout with the Shiv Sena.
The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the recent state elections, securing 132 seats—its highest-ever tally. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction won 57 seats, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP secured 41. This electoral success positioned Fadnavis as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post.
However, the formation of the coalition government was not without its challenges. Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde initially resisted relinquishing the Chief Minister’s post, which prolonged the negotiations. Sources indicate that Shinde eventually agreed to serve as Deputy CM, paving the way for today’s ceremony.
Ahead of the swearing-in, discussions over the allocation of key ministries created tension within the coalition. The BJP is keen on retaining control of critical departments such as Home, Revenue, and Higher Education. Shiv Sena has reportedly been offered Urban Development and Public Works, while the NCP is likely to take charge of Finance and Agriculture. The Shinde faction remains firm in its demand for the Home Ministry, indicating that internal negotiations may continue even after the ceremony.
Fadnavis’s return as Chief Minister marks a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s political narrative. His leadership will be closely watched as he steers a coalition that combines the BJP’s dominance with the participation of the Shiv Sena and NCP factions. The grand oath-taking ceremony reflects not only the BJP’s confidence but also the complex dynamics of coalition governance in the state.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Maharashtra is set to witness a blend of experienced leadership and strategic alliance-building, with today’s ceremony serving as a historic milestone.
