Devendra Fadnavis to Be Sworn in as Maharashtra CM at 5:30 PM; Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar as Deputy CMs

Devendra Fadnavis to Be Sworn in as Maharashtra CM at 5:30 PM; Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar as Deputy CMs

At 5:30 p.m. today, Devendra Fadnavis will take the oath of office as Maharashtra’s third chief minister in a lavish event at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde will also take their oaths as the state’s deputy chief ministers at the ceremony. Along with important BJP figures including Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers, and BJP President J.P. Nadda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present.

Fadnavis, Shinde, and Ajit Pawar’s Roles

In his third term as Maharashtra’s chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, overwhelmingly chosen as the BJP’s legislative party leader, will take the oath of office. Ajit Pawar will become the sixth Deputy Chief Minister, breaking the previous record, while Eknath Shinde will assume the position.

Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan will administer the oath of office, and Fadnavis is expected to immediately enlarge his cabinet. The expansion is anticipated following the December 7–9, 2024, Maharashtra Assembly session. Ministry assignments and cabinet slot distribution are still being worked out by the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.

Shinde’s Participation and Pawar’s Support

After meeting with Fadnavis in person during the last week, Shinde, who had previously shown reluctance to join the government, accepted the proposition. After the Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory, prominent Shiv Sena leaders requested Shinde to participate in the cabinet. Ajit Pawar, however, had already confirmed his attendance at the event and vowed to back Fadnavis as chief minister before Shinde’s decision.

Grand Swearing-In Event at Azad Maidan

For the swearing-in, which is anticipated to attract more than 40,000 people, Azad Maidan has been converted into a lively setting. Prominent luminaries have been invited, including business magnates like Mukesh Ambani and seasoned politicians Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. Around 10,000 BJP employees, members of cooperative societies, and 2,000 farmers will attend the ceremony along with political heavyweights.

The event will be televised live and shown on big LED screens at strategic Maharashtra sites. Before the official activities start, the event will also feature performances by well-known Marathi and Hindi singers.

Also Read: Devendra Fadnavis Named Maharashtra CM, Ajit Pawar as Deputy in Mahayuti Alliance Government

Security Measures in Place

To make sure the event runs well, a huge security operation has been set up. Around Azad Maidan, more than 5,000 police officers will be on duty, in addition to the state reserve police force, anti-riot squads, and quick response force. Senior police personnel, including five more police commissioners, will supervise security plans, and drones will be utilized for overhead observation.

The alliance’s strength and solidarity are reflected in the magnificent spectacle of this historic swearing-in event, which ushers in a new era in Maharashtra politics.