After weeks of speculation, Devendra Fadnavis secures his third term as Chief Minister. With Eknath Shinde accepting the Deputy CM role alongside Ajit Pawar, BJP’s strategy of dividing rival factions ensures a sweeping win for the Mahayuti alliance, leaving opposition ranks diminished.
By PC Bureau
A jubilant Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening, ending nearly two weeks of political suspense and a high-stakes tug-of-war between the BJP and Shiv Sena for the state’s leadership.
In stark contrast, a somber Eknath Shinde, whose impressive performance in last month’s elections bolstered the Mahayuti alliance’s overwhelming victory, took oath as Deputy Chief Minister alongside NCP’s Ajit Pawar.
This marks Fadnavis’s third term as Chief Minister, solidifying his legacy as a six-time MLA. It also fulfills his resolute vow made in 2019 after losing the top post when the Shiv Sena broke ties with the BJP to form an alliance with the Congress and NCP. At the time, Fadnavis famously declared, “I am the sea; I will come back.”
On Thursday, at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan, his comeback was realized, aided by the BJP’s deft political strategy. The party’s successful division of the Shiv Sena and NCP paved the way for the Mahayuti alliance’s sweeping victory, securing 235 of 288 assembly seats.
The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, asserting its dominance within the alliance. Shinde’s Sena faction won 57 seats, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction strengthened the coalition, leaving the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi with a mere 49 seats.
Initially, Shinde pushed to retain the Chief Minister’s post, citing his administration’s contributions to the alliance’s success. However, the BJP’s commanding performance and the NCP’s swift support left Shinde with diminished leverage.
The political drama peaked when Shinde retreated to his hometown in Satara for 48 hours, signaling dissatisfaction. Ultimately, after discussions with BJP leaders and reportedly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde relented and accepted the Deputy Chief Minister role.
Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant confirmed the development, stating outside the Raj Bhavan, “Eknath Shinde will take oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Devendra Fadnavis has provided a letter confirming his role, and I am here to submit it to Governor CP Radhakrishnan.”
Samant earlier hinted at a boycott by Shiv Sena MLAs if Shinde refused the position, emphasizing, “If Eknath Shinde doesn’t accept the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, no Shiv Sena MLA will take up ministerial responsibilities.”
The delay in forming the new government drew criticism from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut mocking Shinde’s perceived demotion. “Shinde era is over. The BJP used him and has now sidelined him. Shinde will never be CM again,” Raut declared.
The swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan was attended by over 42,000 people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. The event marked a historic milestone for Fadnavis and the Mahayuti alliance, which decisively claimed victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
With the BJP’s 132 seats, Shiv Sena’s 57, and NCP’s 41, the alliance overshadowed the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s lackluster performance, leaving the opposition coalition with just 46 seats.
Fadnavis’s return as Chief Minister signals a consolidation of BJP’s political dominance in Maharashtra, redefining the state’s leadership dynamics and marking a significant chapter in its political history.
