Devendra Fadnavis Takes Oath as Maharashtra’s 21st Chief Minister; Shinde and Pawar as Deputies
Mumbai, 5th December 2024: Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the 21st Chief Minister of Maharashtra at a grand ceremony held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai today. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were also sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.
The event, held at 5 PM, was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, and prominent figures from the business and entertainment industries.
Ajit Pawar, who holds the record for the most stints as Deputy Chief Minister, shared the dais with Eknath Shinde, marking their continued leadership roles in the new government.
The swearing-in ceremony followed the Maharashtra Assembly election results declared on November 23. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a resounding majority, winning over 230 of the 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, solidifying its claim to the Chief Minister’s post.
Despite the clear majority, the selection of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister took 11 days, leading to speculation about internal discord within the BJP. Party insiders suggest that alternative candidates were considered before the leadership confirmed Fadnavis as the consensus choice. He was officially elected as the Legislative Assembly Leader during a meeting on Wednesday, paving the way for today’s ceremony.
The event witnessed the presence of key national leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and governors and chief ministers from neighboring states. Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais administered the oaths of office.
In a moment of protocol enforcement, Governor Bais interrupted Eknath Shinde during his oath-taking. Shinde began by invoking the names of influential leaders, including Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe, before reciting the official oath. The Governor reminded him to adhere strictly to the prescribed wording, after which Shinde completed his oath.
With the BJP firmly in the driver’s seat, the new government is expected to focus on implementing the promises outlined in its election manifesto. The swearing-in marks a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s political landscape, reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to governance and development.
The event concluded with a commitment from the new leadership to address key challenges and fulfill the aspirations of the state’s people.
