Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM Tomorrow at 5:30 PM

In a landmark political decision, Devendra Fadnavis, currently serving as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is set to take the oath as the Chief Minister of the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) government on December 5, 2024, at 5:30 PM. This announcement follows weeks of deliberations among coalition partners, including the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and a breakaway faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar.

Fadnavis disclosed that the proposal for him to take charge as Chief Minister was put forth by key alliance leaders, including Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, to ensure political stability and effective governance in the state. “I was requested by Shinde Ji and Pawar Ji to lead the Mahayuti government as the Chief Minister,” Fadnavis stated during a press conference, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the challenges facing Maharashtra.

Political Dynamics Leading to the Decision

The decision marks a significant moment in Maharashtra’s complex political landscape, which has undergone considerable shifts since the 2019 assembly elections. Initially, the BJP emerged as the single largest party but failed to form a government due to differences with its then-ally Shiv Sena. This led to the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), NCP, and Congress.

The MVA government collapsed in 2022 after a rebellion within the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, who subsequently allied with the BJP to form a new government. Fadnavis, who had served as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, took on the role of Deputy Chief Minister in the Shinde-led government, a move that surprised many political observers.

In July 2023, the political equation shifted again with Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, joining the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition with a group of NCP MLAs. This development further consolidated the Mahayuti alliance but also raised questions about leadership roles within the coalition.

Alliance Leaders Voice Support for Fadnavis

During the press briefing, Fadnavis expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by his allies. “This decision was made collectively to ensure the smooth functioning of the government and to prioritize the welfare of the people of Maharashtra,” he said. Both Shinde and Ajit Pawar have reiterated their support for Fadnavis, highlighting his administrative experience and ability to steer the state through challenging times.

Eknath Shinde, who had served as Chief Minister since 2022, said, “The alliance has always been about unity and collective leadership. Devendra Ji’s leadership will strengthen our governance and ensure that the aspirations of the people are met.” Ajit Pawar echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of stability in a politically dynamic state like Maharashtra.

Oath Ceremony and Immediate Priorities

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai and is expected to be attended by senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The event will mark the beginning of a new phase for the Mahayuti government, which faces the dual challenge of addressing developmental issues and navigating a politically polarized environment.

Fadnavis outlined his priorities for the new administration, including boosting infrastructure projects, tackling agrarian distress, and addressing unemployment. “Our focus will be on delivering on promises made to the people and ensuring that Maharashtra continues to lead in industrial growth, education, and healthcare,” he said.

Reactions from the Opposition

The announcement has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties, including the Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction. Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan accused the Mahayuti government of being an “unholy alliance” driven by political opportunism. “This is not about governance; it’s about consolidating power,” he remarked.

Uddhav Thackeray criticized the BJP for sidelining Eknath Shinde, suggesting that the leadership change reflects internal discord within the alliance. “This is a betrayal of the Shiv Sena’s legacy,” Thackeray stated, while calling for greater transparency in the government’s functioning.

Challenges Ahead for Fadnavis

As Fadnavis prepares to take on the role of Chief Minister once again, he faces several challenges. The state has been grappling with farmer protests over delayed compensation for crop losses, concerns over industrial investment moving to other states, and growing demands for reservations from various communities.

Additionally, the Mahayuti alliance must navigate internal differences to present a united front. While Fadnavis is seen as a capable administrator, balancing the ambitions of coalition partners, particularly the Shinde faction and Ajit Pawar-led NCP group, will be crucial for the stability of the government.

A Strategic Move by the BJP

Political analysts view the decision to reinstate Fadnavis as Chief Minister as a strategic move by the BJP to consolidate its position ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. With Maharashtra being a key state contributing 48 seats to the Lok Sabha, the BJP aims to leverage Fadnavis’s popularity and administrative track record to strengthen its prospects.

The leadership change also signals the BJP’s intent to dominate the alliance dynamics while maintaining cordial relations with its partners. “By placing Fadnavis at the helm, the BJP is ensuring that the Mahayuti government delivers on its promises and remains electorally viable,” said political commentator Suhas Palshikar.

The return of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political journey. As the Mahayuti government takes shape under his leadership, the focus will be on addressing pressing issues and delivering on developmental promises. While challenges remain, Fadnavis’s experience and the collective support of alliance partners are expected to provide a strong foundation for the government’s success.

The oath-taking ceremony on December 5 will not only symbolize the beginning of a new chapter for Maharashtra but also set the tone for the political discourse leading up to the 2024 general elections.