Maharashtra's New Government Formed: Fadnavis Returns as CM, Shinde and Pawar as Deputy CMs

Amidst the political upheaval in Maharashtra, the Mahayuti alliance formed a new government on December 5. In a grand ceremony held at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai, Devendra Fadnavis took the oath of office as the Chief Minister for the third time. The new government also appointed two Deputy Chief Ministers: Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP president Ajit Pawar.

The oath-taking ceremony was officiated by Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan. Fadnavis' return as Chief Minister marks a shift in leadership, as previously, Eknath Shinde had served as CM, with Fadnavis and Pawar taking up the Deputy CM roles in the outgoing government.

Several prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, central ministers, and various Chief Ministers and Deputy CMs from across states, attended the ceremony. Despite speculations of discontent, Eknath Shinde accepted the position of Deputy CM and took the oath alongside the other leaders.

On December 4, Fadnavis was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP legislative party. Following this, a delegation of Mahayuti alliance leaders met the Governor and submitted their support letter. In the legislative assembly meeting, former Gujarat CM and BJP observer Vijay Rupani announced Fadnavis' unanimous election as BJP’s legislative leader.

The Mahayuti alliance performed exceptionally well in the Maharashtra Assembly elections held on November 20, with results announced on November 23. The alliance secured a stunning victory, winning 230 out of 288 seats. Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction won 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction bagged 41 seats. In contrast, the opposition MVA won only 46 seats.