Devendra Fadnavis Takes Oath as Maharashtra CM Amid Alliance Negotiations

A consensus on Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra's Chief Minister was finalized two days before the swearing-in ceremony. The two-week stalemate ended on Tuesday after Fadnavis visited Eknath Shinde's official residence for a 30-minute meeting, the BJP leader revealed.

Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister for the third time during a grand ceremony at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Thursday evening. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar assumed the roles of Deputy Chief Ministers. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, and Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states.

The 54-year-old BJP leader stated that in the Mahayuti alliance’s initial meeting post-election, Shinde acknowledged the BJP would lead with the Chief Ministerial position. However, some members of Shinde’s faction were hesitant about joining the government and suggested he lead a coordination committee for smooth alliance operations.

"There were Shiv Sena leaders who wanted the Chief Minister to come from their party. However, there was no ambiguity on our part. I have a good relationship with Shinde, and after our discussion, he agreed to take the Deputy Chief Minister post," Fadnavis told India Today.

Fadnavis also dismissed concerns about backlash from the Maratha community regarding the BJP’s choice for Chief Minister. While Devendra Fadnavis is a Brahmin, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, both Marathas, belong to a community that has historically dominated Maharashtra politics. "Caste is in the minds of leaders, not the people. People care about work. In Maharashtra, we secured 132 seats with support from both Marathas and OBCs," Fadnavis said.

Historically, 13 Chief Ministers from the Maratha community have led Maharashtra. Shiv Sena’s Manohar Joshi, a Brahmin, was the only other exception before Fadnavis.

Ministry Allocations: Shinde and Pawar Push for Key Portfolios

The cabinet expansion, expected around December 11-12, has sparked discussions on ministry allocations. Both Shinde and Ajit Pawar are reportedly advocating for portfolios they held in the previous government.

Shinde is seeking the Home and Urban Development Ministries, but the BJP has expressed interest in both. Instead, the Revenue Ministry has been offered to him. Ajit Pawar is expected to take charge of the Finance Ministry, according to sources.

Additionally, the BJP has reportedly informed Shinde that controversial figures linked to corruption, such as Tanaji Sawant, Abdul Sattar, and Sanjay Rathod, would not be included in the new government.

The alliance's formation followed two weeks of negotiations after the November 20 state assembly elections, where the BJP emerged as the strongest player, winning 132 out of 288 seats. Shinde’s Shiv Sena secured 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP claimed 41, contributing to the Mahayuti alliance's significant victory.