Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM Today
The inauguration ceremony is set to take place today, 13 days after the Maharashtra Assembly election results were announced. Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Chief Minister for the third time at 5:30 pm at Azad Maidan.
Simultaneously, NCP leader Ajit Pawar will assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister for the sixth time. Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde will also be sworn in as Deputy CM. Shinde is the second leader, following Fadnavis, to be promoted from chief minister to deputy chief minister.
The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president JP Nadda, and other senior BJP leaders. The Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states have also been invited. Around 400 saints and seers from across the country will participate as well.
19 BJP Leaders Likely To Take Oath
According to reports, 19 BJP leaders, 7 NCP members, and 5 Shiv Sena representatives are expected to be sworn in. The Maharashtra election results were announced on November 23. The BJP-Shiv Sena Shinde-NCP coalition secured a significant majority by winning 230 seats.
On Wednesday, Fadnavis, along with Shinde and Ajit Pawar, asserted their intention to form the government in front of Governor CP Radhakrishnan. BJP observers Vijay Rupani and Nirmala Sitharaman were present as well. Subsequently, Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar conducted a press conference.
Fadnavis and Shinde stated that details regarding the number and identities of the ministers taking the oath will be disclosed later. Following Mahayuti's press conference, Fadnavis arrived at the Chief Minister's residence.
He had a 45-minute discussion with Shinde here. According to sources, Shinde has agreed to accept the position of deputy CM. However, he is still adamant about obtaining the Home Ministry portfolio.
During the press conference on Wednesday, Shinde stated, 'We had promised to support the decision made, and I upheld that promise. Mahayuti achieved an unprecedented majority, which is historic. The focus wasn't on what I received, but on what Maharashtra gained. In Mahayuti, there is no hierarchy. Fadnavis visited my home, demonstrating his nobility.'
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar stated that his visit to Delhi was for personal purposes. He clarified that it was not for any meeting, contrary to some assertions. He stressed their dedication to the state's progress, noting that this is their main priority. He assured that they will move forward with this objective and establish the Mahayuti government to propel their development plans.