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Maharashtra: PM Modi To Preside Over Mahayuti Swearing-In Ceremony As Devendra Fadnavis Gears Up For Third Stint As CM

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Azad Maidan in Mumbai, just across from the BMC headquarters, is set to witness an electrifying gathering this evening as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to preside over the swearing-in of the newly elected BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra.

The event, slated for 5:30 pm, will mark a significant political moment, with only Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and two deputy chief ministers taking their oaths at this stage. The event promises to be grand and is expected to host around 2,000 VVIPs and an estimated 40,000 BJP supporters—a testament to the political clout and support Fadnavis commands. Full details regarding the cabinet composition and portfolio assignments are expected to be finalized later.

Final Cabinet

While Fadnavis prepares to step into the role of chief minister for the third time, the final cabinet blueprint remains uncertain. Earlier on Wednesday morning, the political drama in Maharashtra, spanning over 11 days, reached its conclusion with the BJP leadership naming Devendra Fadnavis as its choice for Chief Minister. The announcement came after an intense period of speculation following the Mahayuti alliance’s decisive victory in the state assembly elections held on November 20. The air was thick with anticipation as party leaders, stakeholders, and even the public waited for clarity on who would lead India’s financial capital into its next chapter.

In his address at the legislature party meeting, Fadnavis, who has become synonymous with the BJP’s successful runs in Maharashtra, expressed heartfelt gratitude. He credited the alliance’s success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and underscored the slogans that have now become rallying cries: “Ek Hai To Safe Hai” and “Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai.” These words encapsulate the confidence and unity the party aims at projecting since its landslide victory.

“I bow before the people for giving us such a massive mandate,” Fadnavis said, acknowledging the people’s faith that has paved his way to the Chief Minister’s seat. The process leading up to this moment involved a meeting of the party’s core committee, where key figures such as state BJP unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, senior leaders like Raosaheb Danve, and even former Chief Ministers like Ashok Chavan deliberated on the final decision.

In attendance were BJP stalwarts Sudhir Mungantiwar, Pankaja Munde, and Ashish Shelar, as well as central observers like Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and ex-CM of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani. The proposal for Fadnavis’ nomination was put forward by Rupani and unanimously approved by all senior members, reinforcing his position as the party’s top pick. Following the legislative announcement, Fadnavis met with Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. The Governor formally invited him to form the next government.

Addressing the press afterward, Fadnavis was succinct and strategic. “I have full faith that he will stand by us… We will fulfill the promises made to the people of Maharashtra,” he asserted. The role of governance, he emphasized, would be collective, with every decision taken by a consensus-driven leadership structure. A defining moment came when Fadnavis addressed Eknath Shinde, whose faction of Shiv Sena played a critical role in shaping the current political landscape.

“I met Eknath Shinde yesterday and told him that it is the wish of both the Shiv Sena and Mahayuti members that he should be with us in this government. I have full faith that he will be with us,” Fadnavis said, hinting at an inclusive governance model that blends the diverse strands of the alliance.

Cheeky Banter

Adding a note of levity, a cheeky exchange at Raj Bhavan sparked laughter. When asked about the oath-taking ceremony, Shinde joked about waiting until evening, to which Ajit Pawar playfully responded, “I will take it and not wait.” To this, Shinde quipped that Ajit Pawar has experience in taking an oath both in the morning and evening. The remark was a nod to their prior, dramatic stint in 2019, when the duo had briefly assumed office before the alliance crumbled within hours. The back-and-forth was a reminder of Maharashtra’s turbulent political history and the seasoned wits of its players.

Third Term

Fadnavis’ journey has been marked by twists and turns. In 2014, at age 44, he made history as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, being the second youngest to do so after Sharad Pawar. That tenure, though significant, ended in a rift with the Shiv Sena in 2019 over a power-sharing dispute, leading to a brief, 80-hour government that collapsed when Ajit Pawar rejoined the NCP. In 2022, after Eknath Shinde’s rebellion brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Fadnavis was expected to take over the CM’s post but settled for the Deputy Chief Minister role under Shinde.

This third term, therefore, represents a moment of redemption and a culmination of years of political maneuvering. The BJP’s resounding success in the elections—132 out of 149 seats contested—underscored the strong support from the RSS and the organizational machinery that has propelled Fadnavis into the state’s top seat once again. His leadership is expected to bring continuity, stability, and an ambitious agenda aimed at consolidating the BJP’s stronghold and fulfilling the promises made to the electorate.

As the countdown to the swearing-in ceremony begins, the question looms: can Devendra Fadnavis use this third term to transform his political aspirations into a legacy of effective governance? The state watches with bated breath, ready for the next chapter in Maharashtra’s political saga.

Maharashtra

Public representatives have high confidence in Shinde’s work, Uddhav Thackeray MPs did not have confidence in his leadership: Milind Deora

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Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora strongly criticised the absence of several MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray faction meeting. He said that only the UBT leadership can answer why UBT MPs did not attend the meeting called by his party. He said that the members who were absent from the meeting lacked faith in their party leadership. Deora said that today the people and public representatives have faith in the work and leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Eknath Shinde sahib works to strengthen the hands of those who trust in Shinde sahib’s leadership. Targeting Sanjay Raut, Milind Deora said that he is not aware of parliamentary traditions and rules. Other UBT MPs should understand what kind of meetings are held and what are the whip rules. On the issue of whip, Deora said that whip is issued only for voting in the House, not for attending any political meeting. This is a parliamentary rule and those who have been members for years should be aware of it. Milind Deora further said that Sanjay Raut sometimes abuses his own MPs, sometimes claims that all MPs are with him, sometimes says that his MPs were given money, and sometimes accuses MPs of corruption. This reflects his contradictory behavior. Sanjay Raut insulted his own MPs. With such behavior, who would want to work with him? He said that no leader has any faith left in the UBT leadership. Public representatives want their leader to be available to them. That is why many leaders still want to work under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. Shiv Sena welcomes anyone who wants to work for the development of their area. Our aim is not to weaken anyone but to strengthen the people. Finally, Deora said that the UBT leadership needs to examine itself instead of blaming others. I can only wish them well.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Municipal Corporation and Customs Department sign MoU for conservation and restoration of Mahim Fort

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The vision of the conservation and restoration of the Mumbai Mahim Fort is to revive its historical beauty. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said that it is a matter of pride and honour that the Municipal Corporation is preserving this fort. An MoU was signed between the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Customs Department today (June 18, 2026) at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Headquarters for the conservation and restoration work of Mahim Fort, which has been declared a State Protected Monument.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Principal Commissioner of Customs Department Shri Ajay Kumar Pandey, Additional Commissioner of Customs Department Nitin Tagde, Vikram Phadke, Deputy Commissioner (Commissioner Office) of Mumbai Municipal Corporation Prashant Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner (South Zone) Prashant Gaikwad, Assistant Commissioner (South Zone) Prashant Gaikwad were also present on the occasion. Yogesh Desai, Advisor on Conservation of Ancient Heritage Vikas Dilawari, Dr. K. K. Sangle, Head of the Department of Structural Engineering, Virmata Jijabai Institute of Technology, etc. were present on the occasion.

As per the directions of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, the conservation and preservation of ancient structures in Mumbai is being done under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi. On this basis, the Municipal Corporation has taken the initiative to conserve and revive the Mahim Fort.

Under this agreement, the dilapidated structure of Mahim Fort will be strengthened and reconstructed. The historical well present in the fort area will be searched and excavated. A pedestrian path will be made all around the interior of the fort. In addition, a protective wall will also be constructed to protect the foundation of the fort. Rs 20 crore has also been allocated for this. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said that the Municipal Corporation’s G (North) Department has removed the encroachments on the Mahim Fort and rehabilitated the local residents. So now help will be given to restore the glory of this fort. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi said that the Municipal Corporation has made great efforts to remove the encroachments on the Mahim Fort, which is a historical and ancient heritage, and to preserve it. Now the administration is planning to develop this fort as a tourist destination.

Principal Commissioner of the Customs Department Ajay Kumar Pandey said that apart from being a historical heritage, Mahim Fort is known as the customs station of the Customs Department. The conservation and restoration work undertaken by the Municipal Corporation will make this fort famous. Also, this fort will develop as a tourist destination for Mumbaikars. Mahim is an ancient fort and the descendants of Raja Bimbadev built this fort around the 12th and 13th centuries. Mahim was the main centre of power among the seven islands of Mumbai and this fort is a symbol of that glorious history. The Maharashtra government declared Mahim Fort as a state protected monument in 1975. The total area of ​​the fort is about 3,796.02 sq m. Currently, the fort is under the jurisdiction of the Customs Department. The existing structure of Mahim Fort was encroached upon in the form of slums. After surveying the entire area, proper documents were verified and 275 slums have been rehabilitated in flats available for project victims in Kurla and Malad. However, the restoration of a religious structure is underway.
The restoration and conservation work of the fort is proposed to be carried out under the guidance of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s G (North) Division Office, Customs Department, Advisor on Conservation of Ancient Cultural Heritage Vikas Dilawari and Dr. Sangal K. Jijabai, Head of the Structural Engineering Department of Veermata.

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Maharashtra

Operation Tiger rebel MPs in Maharashtra should be disqualified: Abu Asim Azmi

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Mumbai: Talking about the ongoing Operation Tiger of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, Samajwadi Party Mumbai/Maharashtra state president and MLA Abu Asim Azmi said, “Today’s public representatives, leaders, and workers are no longer guided by ideology, they have become greedy. Those who take the votes of the people and then change parties of their own accord, their positions should be declared null and void.” Abu Asim Azmi further said that if someone contests elections on behalf of a party, he is provided with the party’s flag, banner, symbol and money. Workers are working day and night to ensure the victory of their candidate. Those representatives are elected on the basis of the party’s ideology, and people agree with this ideology, so they vote for them. However, after victory, they rebel against the party. A law should be made that if a candidate joins another party after winning, his position should be declared null and void. Taking a dig at the BJP, he said that the BJP is trying to lure, intimidate and It misuses power to intimidate and bring them into its party. If they do not join, they are sent to jail like Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh, but they were proven innocent. The BJP has tried to create a rift in other parties, which is why many parties have been split into two.

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