Maharashtra
Different Journeys, Same Destination: Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, And Ajit Pawar Unite As Maharashtra’s Leadership Trio

Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a grand and colorful ceremony at the Azad Maidan on Thursday evening. Eknath Shinde, leader of the Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar, leader of the NCP, took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers.
Here’s a look at the political careers of the CM and DyCMs.
Devendra Fadanvis
Devendra Fadnavis, the political stalwart who rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Maharashtra politics, was on Thursday evening sworn in as chief minister – a position he has held twice before.
During his previous tenure as Chief Minister, before the 2019 elections, Fadnavis famously recited the line “Mi Punha Yein” (I will back), which became both a widely celebrated and critiqued tagline. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically after the elections when Uddhav Thackeray parted ways with the BJP. Fadnavis then allied with the NCP’s Ajit Pawar, and both were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, respectively, in a government that lasted less than 80 hours.
Fadnavis faced ridicule over his “Mi Punha Yein” remark during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s tenure. In 2022, Eknath Shinde led a split in the Shiv Sena and formed a new government with the BJP. Although many expected Fadnavis to return as the CM, he was appointed Deputy Chief Minister instead. After a challenging political journey of five years, Fadnavis has finally reclaimed the Chief Minister’s position.
From being a corporator and mayor in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation to becoming the Chief Minister of the state, Fadnavis has had a distinguished political career. Fadnavis began his political career as an active member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). At 22, he became a corporator in the Nagpur civic body and its youngest Mayor in 1997 at age 27.
In 1999, he was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the West Nagpur constituency, where he was re-elected consecutively for two terms. Later, he won the elections from the South West Nagpur constituency four times. Since 1999, he has represented Nagpur in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Eknath Shinde
From a Shiv Sena rebel in 2022, veteran politician Eknath Sambhaji Shinde went on to acquire the image of a doer and man of action as chief minister in a short span of two-and-a-half years when he headed the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra.
Shinde, who had no prior political background, began his political career in 1980. After working for some time in organisational roles for the Shiv Sena, he was appointed to various constitutional positions. He won his first election as a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation in 1997, followed by his appointment as Leader of the House in 2001.
In 2004, Shinde was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. A year later, he was named the Thane district head of Shiv Sena. Over the years, Shinde’s popularity grew, leading to his re-election to the Assembly in 2009, 2014, and 2019.
During his tenure in the Legislative Assembly, Shinde held several significant roles. From 2014 to 2019, he served as the Minister for Public Works and Guardian Minister of Thane district. In 2018, he was appointed the Leader of the Shiv Sena in the Assembly.
In 2019, he assumed additional responsibilities as the Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare, as well as the Minister for Urban Development and Public Works. He also briefly served as the acting Minister of Home Affairs later that year.
A turning point in his political career came in June 2022, when Shinde, along with several MLAs, moved to Surat, Gujarat, sparking a political crisis in Maharashtra. This led to Uddhav Thackeray’s resignation as Chief Minister. Shinde subsequently formed a new government in alliance with the BJP and NCP and was sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra in June 2022.
On December 5, 2024, Shinde took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, further cementing his role as a key figure in the state’s political landscape.
Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar, who has long aspired to become the chief minister but finished second five times, has once again been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. This marks the sixth time as the deputy chief minister, setting a unique record.
A stalwart of Maharashtra politics, Ajit Pawar is a seasoned leader renowned for his administrative expertise, sharp political instincts, and strong grassroots presence. Over his political career, he has served as deputy chief minister under Chief Ministers Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.
Despite speculations about facing challenges in retaining the Baramati constituency during the assembly elections, Ajit Pawar was re-elected for the eighth consecutive time with a significant majority. His re-election solidifies his position as a key figure in Maharashtra politics.
In 1991, Ajit Pawar contested the Lok Sabha elections for the first time and became the Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramati. That same year, following the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and the subsequent political changes at the Centre, Sharad Pawar was appointed as the Union Defence Minister.
After Sharad Pawar resigned from his position in the Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar contested the by-election and was elected as the MLA for the first time. Since then, for the past 35 years, he has been consistently elected from the Baramati.
While in government, Ajit Pawar has handled key portfolios such as finance minister, water resources minister and rural development minister. He has also served as the guardian minister of Pune. After the fall of the MVA government, he served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for a year.
Maharashtra
Kharghar Residents Stage Peaceful Protest Demanding Liquor Ban In Locality

Navi Mumbai: In a show of unity and resolve, residents of Kharghar gathered today at Shah Arcade, Sector 6, to participate in a sit-in protest demanding a complete ban on liquor outlets in the area.
Organised under the banner of the Liquor-Free Kharghar movement, the protest began at 11:00 AM and witnessed the participation of local citizens, social activists, and community leaders who voiced their concern over the increasing number of liquor shops and their adverse impact on the peace and safety of the neighborhood.
Protesters emphasised that making Kharghar a liquor-free zone is essential to safeguarding the area’s future and ensuring a safe, healthy environment for families and youth.
“Every responsible citizen must stand united to protect Kharghar from the ill effects of alcohol. This movement is not just for today but for the generations to come,” said one of the organizers during the protest.
The peaceful demonstration reflected the community’s collective demand for the authorities to take immediate action and revoke licenses of existing liquor shops to maintain the area’s sanctity and security.
Organisers have urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting similar initiatives until their demands are met.
Crime
Mahim Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man For Sexually Abusing Two Minor Boys Under Pretext Of Video Games; Case Registered Under POCSO Act

Mumbai: The Mahim police have arrested a 37-year-old man on Thursday, for allegedly sexually abusing two minor boys, aged seven and eight, after luring them to his home under the pretext of letting them play video games.
The accused has been booked under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police are investigating if the accused has a history of similar offenses.
The incident came to light on Wednesday evening when one of the victims informed his mother about the ordeal. The mother promptly filed a complaint with the police, leading to the swift apprehension of the accused.
According to police, the accused reportedly offered the boys money before the alleged abuse. One of the victims was admitted to Bhabha Hospital for treatment after complaining of pain to his mother. Both children are friends.
The Mahim police have registered a case under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 4, 6, 8, and 10 of the POCSO Act. While initial checks have not revealed any prior criminal history for the accused, police are investigating if he has a history of similar offenses.
Maharashtra
Salutations to the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini: Abu Asim Azmi

abu aasim aazmi
Mumbai: Mumbai Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader and MLA Abu Asim Azmi said that late BJP Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had supported the independence of Palestine and opposed the oppression and atrocities on it, but today the country is pro-Israel. He supported Iran on the situation of war between Israel and Iran and prayed for Iran and said that Allah should give it success in the field of working against oppression. This is what I pray for. Saluting the courage and support of Iranian religious leader and leader Ayatollah Khomeini, Abu Asim Azmi said that Iran stands against oppression, so we pray for it. Azmi said that just as Indian citizens have been brought to India from Iran, in the same way the Indian victims of war in Israel should also be brought back to their homeland. Azmi also welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to give 15 per cent reservation to Muslims in housing societies and said that if 15 per cent reservation is given in housing societies, there is nothing wrong in it. Here everyone has the right and privilege of equal justice.
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