Devendra Fadnavis Named Maharashtra Chief Minister; Oath Ceremony Scheduled for December 5

Mumbai, 4th December 2024: Devendra Fadnavis has been officially announced as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, a decision that was confirmed in a meeting held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) earlier today. His name was proposed by BJP leader Chandrakant Patil and approved by the party’s legislative members. This resolution marks the formation of the Mahayuti government, which is set to take power in the state.

Central observers Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani, who were in Mumbai to discuss the Chief Minister’s post, played key roles in finalizing the decision. The formalities of electing the legislature party leader were completed during the meeting, bringing an end to the speculation that had been ongoing since the assembly elections were concluded on November 23.

Fadnavis, who has previously served as Chief Minister twice, will now take charge of the state once again. His name had long been seen as a likely candidate, although talks of other contenders, including Eknath Shinde, had caused delays in finalizing the post.

The grand oath-taking ceremony for the new Mahayuti government is scheduled for December 5 at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. A large platform has been prepared for the event, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Fadnavis, and the two Deputy Chief Ministers will take their positions in the first row. Ministers and other dignitaries will be seated on the sides of the platform.

Special arrangements have also been made for the attendance of approximately 25,000 people. A section, named the ‘Ladki Bahin section,’ will be reserved for women who played an important role in securing the alliance’s victory. This section will accommodate 10,000 women.

Following the announcement of the Maharashtra assembly election results on November 23, it became clear that the Mahayuti alliance had secured an absolute majority. However, uncertainty over the Chief Minister’s post had delayed the finalization of the government. The tension surrounding the appointment had attracted significant attention, with speculation about possible candidates. Ultimately, it was confirmed that the BJP would lead the government, and Fadnavis would take the helm.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were appointed as central observers for the legislature party meeting. They played a crucial role in the election process, which culminated in Fadnavis’s confirmation as Chief Minister.

In a statement after his appointment, Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “PM Modi appointed a worker to the highest post three times. Of course, once was for 72 hours only, but still, technically, I was the Chief Minister. That is why PM Modi gave me the honor of sitting as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra three times. This party grew under his leadership, and that is why ordinary workers got different posts and opportunities to work. I thank PM Modi and party president JP Nadda for this opportunity.”

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the significance of the BJP’s victory in Maharashtra, stating, “This decision of 14 crore people of Maharashtra is a message for the whole of India. These are not regular assembly elections. After the Lok Sabha elections, the elections in Maharashtra have become crucial. The unprecedented victory in Maharashtra is a big message for a developed India. People have made their decision based on their experience and have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s tenure.”

As Fadnavis prepares to take office, the Mahayuti government is poised to address the challenges facing Maharashtra, with the state eagerly awaiting the formation of a new administration.