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.