The suspense over Maharashtra’s government formation ends today as Devendra Fadnavis takes the oath as Chief Minister at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, at 5:30 PM. Ajit Pawar is confirmed as Deputy CM, while Eknath Shinde’s role remains uncertain. Talks among Mahayuti partners—BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—are ongoing, with no additional ministers swearing in today. The state cabinet allows up to 43 members.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, credited for BJP’s historic 132-seat victory, will attend the ceremony. On Wednesday, Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar met Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, presenting letters of support from their MLAs to stake claim to form the government.
Fadnavis and Shinde met earlier this week to finalize arrangements. Addressing media outside Raj Bhavan, Fadnavis said, “The CM/DyCM roles are technical. We will make collective decisions in Maharashtra’s interest.” He confirmed requesting Shinde to join the cabinet, expressing BJP and Shiv Sena’s wish for his involvement. Sources suggest Shinde is likely to accept the Deputy CM role despite initial hesitation.
Shinde pledged his party’s support to Fadnavis, recalling Fadnavis’s earlier backing of his CM candidacy. “It’s his generosity. I support and propose Fadnavis for CM,” Shinde said. Dismissing reports of discord, he emphasized cordial government formation talks.
While Shinde temporarily paused discussions to visit his village in Satara for rest, he later joined a press briefing with Fadnavis and Pawar. Shinde stated he would decide on his role later in the evening.
Fadnavis’s selection as CM became evident after BJP’s core committee approved his name early Wednesday. Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani oversaw the legislature party meeting, where members unanimously elected him as their leader.
Fadnavis credited Prime Minister Modi for the BJP’s success, stating, “The Assembly elections proved, Modi hai toh mumkin hai.” Reflecting on the Maha Vikas Aghadi era, he vowed to work tirelessly for Maharashtra’s welfare, overcoming challenges posed by the opposition.
As suspense dwindles, Maharashtra prepares for Fadnavis’s third term as Chief Minister, with eyes on Shinde’s next move.
