Devendra Fadnavis Set to Become Maharashtra Chief Minister for Third Term
Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan has invited the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to form the government on December 5, with Devendra Fadnavis poised to take oath as Chief Minister for the third time.
Earlier, the BJP Legislature Party unanimously elected Mr. Fadnavis as its leader during a core committee meeting in Mumbai on December 4.
Mahayuti Alliance Stakes Claim
Key coalition leaders, including Mr. Fadnavis, caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, met the Governor at Raj Bhavan at 3:30 p.m. to stake their claim. A letter of support signed by BJP MLAs and alliance legislators was submitted to the Governor.
Mr. Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Mr. Shinde and Mr. Pawar for endorsing his candidacy.
“Two and a half years ago, I supported Eknath Shinde’s candidature as Chief Minister. Today, he has done the same for me,” said Mr. Fadnavis.
Outgoing Chief Minister Mr. Shinde highlighted the coalition’s commitment to teamwork, while Mr. Pawar quipped about his potential role as Deputy Chief Minister, prompting laughter.
Swearing-In Ceremony at Azad Maidan
The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for December 5 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and 19 Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers.
Over 40,000 supporters and 2,000 VVIPs are expected to witness the event, described by BJP leader Prasad Lad as a “historic moment.”
Traffic restrictions have been imposed around Azad Maidan for the occasion.
Election Victory and Future Goals
Addressing newly elected MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan, Mr. Fadnavis thanked Prime Minister Modi for the trust placed in him.
“To be entrusted with this responsibility for a third time is a profound honor,” he said, acknowledging the responsibility of leading the state.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, serving as a central observer, congratulated Mr. Fadnavis and the Mahayuti coalition.
“This election marks a significant step toward ‘Viksit Bharat.’ The BJP’s record victory of 132 seats reflects the people’s confidence,” she said.
Mahayuti’s Strong Mandate
The BJP, in alliance with the Mahayuti coalition, now holds a commanding 230-seat majority in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. Ms. Sitharaman emphasized the coalition’s aim to make Maharashtra the top state in the country, concluding with the slogan, “Hum eek hai toh safe hai.”With a historic mandate and the return of Mr. Fadnavis as Chief Minister, Maharashtra’s political landscape enters a new chapter.
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