NEW DELHI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, after being sworn in at a grand ceremony at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Thursday, vowed to provide a stable government over the next five years, emphasizing that the state under his leadership would see “politics of change, not revenge.”
Addressing his first press conference as CM, Fadnavis said the mandate of the people in the 2024 assembly elections reflected their love and expectations, and he felt the weight of their hopes. He assured that Maharashtra would continue to grow rapidly in social, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.
Fadnavis also underlined the unity of the Mahayuti alliance, stating that his deputy chief ministers, Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP), stand firmly with him. “The alliance remains steadfast in its direction and pace, with only our roles having changed,” he said.
Acknowledging public anticipation, he added that the election of a new Assembly Speaker would take place on December 9 during a three-day special session beginning December 7, and the cabinet would be expanded before the winter session in Nagpur later this month.
Committed to Maharashtra’s development
Fadnavis reiterated the government’s focus on development. “In the past two and a half years, we have worked for Maharashtra’s progress, and we will continue to do so. Every decision we make will prioritize the state’s betterment and fulfil the promises outlined in our manifesto,” he said.
Responding to opposition criticism
Addressing opposition claims of delays in government formation, Fadnavis explained that coalition governments require extensive deliberations. “Even in 2004, the process took 12-13 days, and in 2009, it took about nine days. We’ve nearly finalized the allocation of portfolios, with just a few decisions remaining,” he clarified.
He assured the public of his government’s stability and unity, stating, “Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are with me. People have chosen us for stability, and we will work together.”
Fadnavis also announced a special Assembly session on December 7-8 to elect the Speaker, with the Governor’s address scheduled for December 9.
First decision: Financial aid for patient
In his first act as chief minister, Fadnavis sanctioned Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for a bone marrow transplant for Chandrkant Shankar Kurhade, a Pune resident. “The overwhelming mandate carries a weight of expectations. Fiscal discipline will be crucial as we implement our ambitious plans,” he said.
A political journey rooted in service
Born in Nagpur on July 22, 1970, Fadnavis holds degrees in law, business management, and project management. Beginning his political career in 1992 as a councillor in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, he served two terms and has been an MLA for five consecutive terms.
From 2014 to 2019, he served as Maharashtra’s chief minister, overseeing key portfolios and launching flagship initiatives like the Samruddhi Expressway and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krishi Sanman Scheme. After a brief tenure during the 2019 political crisis, Fadnavis has once again taken the reins of the state.
A resounding victory for Mahayuti
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections, winning 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena (57) and NCP (41). In contrast, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major defeat, with Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP managing only 16, 20, and 10 seats, respectively.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, and defence minister Rajnath Singh, underscoring the significance of the occasion.