Grand Oath-Taking Ceremony
In a star-studded event held at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time. The ceremony, attended by prominent figures from business, entertainment, and politics, also marked the appointment of Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Ministers. The event showcased a gathering of industrialists, Bollywood personalities, and significant political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda.
Political Background
Devendra Fadnavis, who first took up the position of Chief Minister in October 2014, holds the distinction of being the youngest individual to have served in this role at the age of 44. His first term spanned until November 2019, after which he briefly returned to power for just five days amid a political crisis involving the Shiv Sena. This latest swearing-in signifies the success of the Mahayuti 2.0 alliance, which secured 230 out of 288 seats in the recent elections, with the BJP winning 132, the Shiv Sena 57, and the NCP 41.
Significant Developments
The new government comes together amidst a backdrop of suspense regarding Eknath Shinde’s role, which was clarified just ahead of the ceremony. Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant confirmed Shinde’s position as Deputy Chief Minister following discussions with Fadnavis. Alongside Shinde, Ajit Pawar of the NCP also took the oath as Deputy Chief Minister, solidifying the alliance’s governing capacity.
In his first address as Chief Minister, Fadnavis promised a stable government and expressed his commitment to delivering political change rather than retribution. He emphasized the significance of the people’s mandate from the 2024 assembly elections, indicating a focus on growth across social, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.
High-Profile Attendance and Security Measures
The oath-taking ceremony boasted an array of VIP attendees, including Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, further highlighting the political and cultural significance of the event. Security was tight with comprehensive arrangements, involving over 4,000 personnel, additional commissioners, and various specialized teams to ensure peace during the ceremony. Traffic diversions were implemented, and attendees were encouraged to use public transport due to limited parking at the venue.
Future Plans
Following the oath ceremony, Fadnavis announced plans for a three-day special assembly session starting December 7, during which a new assembly speaker will be elected. He also indicated that the new cabinet would be expanded before the winter session, slated to take place in Nagpur.
In conclusion, Devendra Fadnavis’s return as Chief Minister, alongside the announcements of his deputy ministers, signals a fresh chapter in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with a dedicated focus on governance and development for the upcoming years.
