Live Updates: People have chosen us as they want a stable govt, CM Fadnavis says in 1st address after taking oath

Ajit Pawar on Thursday became the Deputy CM for a record sixth term. He has worked as Deputy CM under four CMs - Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. The 65-year-old, who is known to be politically ambitious and speak his mind, took oath as the deputy CM of Maharashtra today for sixth time since 2010, when he was appointed the deputy CM for the first time.

The eight-time MLA from Baramati, grew under the tutelage of his uncle Sharad Pawar and learnt tricks of the trade under his shadow, but managed to carve a niche in Maharashtra politics early in his life. Read full story

People want a stable government, so they have chosen us. We will continue the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' ... We will soon elect the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker as the Cabinet has decided to hold a special session on December 7-8: Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on December 5 said that portfolios have almost been finalized but consultation is still under process.

"We will have to understand that when there is a coalition government, many decisions have to be taken. In a coalition government, consultation has to be done on a very large scale. We have done that consultation and we have almost finalized the portfolios ... there is some left, we will do that as well soon," he said.

In the last 2.5 years, we have worked for the development of Maharashtra and from here too we will work for the development of Maharashtra and we will not stop now. The direction and speed is the same ... We will take decisions for the betterment of Maharashtra. We want to complete the works that we mentioned in our manifesto: Fadnavis

Devendra Fadnavis, in his first briefing after taking oath as Maharashtra CM, said that the Mahayuti government will continue its momentum of work.

"We will speed up decision making and complete all pending work. There will be no compromise in the momentum of work. We will deliver on the commitment made; won't disappointment the people who voted for us," he said.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar arrive at Mantralaya in Mumbai for a cabinet meeting. Soon after taking oath at a grand ceremony in south Mumbai's Azad Maidan, the leaders paid floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr BR Ambedkar at the Mantralaya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union ministers and chief ministers of various states besides thousands of supporters of the Mahayuti alliance were present at the event, which took place almost a fortnight after results of the assembly elections were declared on November 23.

Soon after Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, his wife Amruta expressed happiness and said the BJP leader will continue to serve the people of the state. "I am happy Devendra ji has taken oath as CM for the third time today. He has served the people of Maharashtra and will continue to do so in the future too," she said in her first reaction after Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister at a grand event in south Mumbai's Azad Maidan.

Defying predictions of his political eclipse, NCP chief Ajit Pawar has not only consolidated his position in the BJP-led Mahayuti, but also fortified his place in Maharashtra politics by becoming deputy chief minister for the sixth time. Ajit Pawar has now firmly come out of the shadow of his formidable uncle Sharad Pawar, more than a year after he rebelled against the NCP founder.

A multiple-time deputy CM under different governments, 65-year-old Ajit Pawar has not concealed his chief ministerial ambitions, but that dream has still remained unfulfilled. He took oath as a deputy CM in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government at a grand ceremony at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on December 5.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and prominent personalities from industry and Bollywood on Thursday attended the swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra Chief Minister at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

Industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Kumarmangalam Birla and Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were also among the attendees.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar takes oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

The suspense has finally ended! Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde takes oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra.

The wait is finally over! Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the 3rd time at a grand ceremony in south Mumbai's Azad Maidan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai for the swearing-in ceremony of the Maharashtra government.

Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new CM of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar and Shinde will be sworn in as Deputy CMs shortly.

BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar arrive!

Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new CM of Maharashtra at a grand ceremony. Ajit Pawar and Shinde will be sworn in as Deputy CMs.

Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Vidya Balan, Ranveer Singh, Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor are among the top Bollywood actors who have arrived at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Maharashtra government.

India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and wife Dr. Anjali are also present at the venue.

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani arrives at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai for the grand swearing-in ceremony of the Maharashtra government. He is accompanies by his son Anant Ambani and daughter-in-law Radhika Merchant.

Other top business leaders of the country including Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and Aditya Birla Group chairperson Kumar Mangalam Birla are also present at the venue.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu are among the top leaders who have already arrived in Mumbai for the Maharashtra government swearing-in ceremony.

BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new CM of Maharashtra at a grand ceremony which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NCP chief Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde will be sworn in as Deputy CMs.

Maharashtra CM-election Devendra Fadnavis' wife Amruta expressed her happiness ahead of the BJP leader's swearing-in ceremony. "It is a beautiful day when Devendra ji has become MLA for the 6th time and will take over as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time. We are happy about it but the sense of responsibility is greater. There is a lot of work that he (Devendra Fadnavis) wants to do for the people of Maharashtra," she said.

On the flagship Ladki Bahin Scheme which proved to be a gamechanger for the BJP, Amruta said, "Ladki Bahin has been a great project under which women of Maharashtra got associated with Devendra ji and the Mahayuti".

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said that Eknath Shinde will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the swearing-in ceremony to discuss about key portfolios including Maharashtra Home Minister.

"Eknath Shinde will shortly leave to take oath. Later, he will have a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a decision will be taken regarding the Home Minister and other posts," he said.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP president JP Nadda and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are among the several invitees who have arrived in Mumbai to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Maharashtra government at Azad Maidan.

Meanwhile, supporters of Ajit Pawar arrive at his Mumbai residence ahead of the NCP leader taking oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will take oath as chief minister, while Shinde will be sworn in the other deputy CM at the ceremony.

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant told told agency ANI that Eknath Shinde will take oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra later today.  According to reports, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Shinde earlier today to discuss portfolios ahead of the grand swearing-in ceremony.

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar has arrived in Mumbai to attend the grand oath-taking ceremony of the Maharashtra government. He is accompanied by Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, where elaborate security arrangements have been made for the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the ceremony.

BJP leader Girish Mahajan on December 5 claimed that Eknath Shinde has agreed to accept the post of Deputy CM and will take oath later today along with Maharashtra CM-elect Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. The NCP leader is likely to take oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM.

Fadnavis, Shinde and Ajit Pawar met Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan on December 4 and staked claim to form the government.

Ahead of oath-taking ceremony, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to meet Ekanth Shinde and discuss portfolios, sources told Indian Express.

Shiv Sena leaders have rallied behind Eknath Shinde, urging him to accept the post of Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government. Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar revealed that all party MLAs met Shinde on Wednesday evening, expressing their unanimous support. Kesarkar noted that Shinde has always respected the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, adding, “Our parties may be different, but our principles and ideologies remain the same.”

Outgoing Industry Minister Uday Samant echoed similar sentiments, stating that MLAs are willing to forgo ministerial posts if Shinde does not join the cabinet as Deputy CM. “We are committed to working collectively to secure victories in the Corporation, Zilla Parishad, and Nagar Panchayat polls under the bow and arrow symbol,” Samant said during a press conference on Thursday.

As of now, Shinde is yet to take a final call on the Deputy CM post and is expected to decide within an hour.

(From News18)

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant arrived in Mumbai to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra Chief Minister-designate Devendra Fadnavis.

Speaking to reporters, Sawant expressed pride in the Mahayuti alliance's return to power. “I extend my heartfelt greetings to Devendra Fadnavis on being elected as Maharashtra CM for the third time. It is a proud moment for the NDA government. Under his leadership, Maharashtra will progress with double the speed,” he said.

Sawant is among several leaders from NDA-ruled states attending the grand event.

Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis offered prayers at Shree Mumbadevi Temple in Mumbai ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. Meanwhile, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar departed for Mumbai from Patna to attend the event. Chief Ministers of various NDA-ruled states are arriving in Mumbai for the grand occasion.

In the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary says, "Mahayuti government has been formed in Maharashtra and the NDA will work for the development of Maharashtra"

Union Minister Piyush Goyal congratulated the Mahayuti alliance, expressing his excitement over Devendra Fadnavis's upcoming swearing-in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. Referring to Fadnavis as his "younger brother," Goyal also welcomed Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as the Deputy Chief Ministers. He noted that the Mahayuti government will continue to deliver good governance, accelerate development, and fulfill the aspirations of the people of Maharashtra following their overwhelming victory.

Ahead of Devendra Fadnavis's swearing-in as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, the BJP expressed confidence that the new government, led by Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar, will usher in a “progressive and developing” administration. The party also criticised the Opposition for questioning the people's mandate, accusing them of insulting voters by blaming the EVMs for their electoral defeat.

Fadnavis is set to visit the Siddhivinayak Temple before the ceremony later today.

The Home Ministry is expected to remain with the BJP, sources told News18, following reports of tensions between the BJP and Shiv Sena over this key portfolio. Shiv Sena had sought to retain the Home Ministry, especially as the Chief Minister’s position was not allotted to their party. The BJP has reportedly finalized its list of MLAs for cabinet positions, while Shiv Sena and NCP are still finalizing their selections, sources added.

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla expressed strong support for the formation of Devendra Fadnavis's government in Maharashtra, which will take the oath today. Poonawalla said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new government, comprising Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde, would focus on progress and development for the state over the next five years.

Poonawalla also criticised those questioning the election results, accusing them of insulting the people's mandate. He specifically took aim at those raising doubts about the EVMs, stating, "They are against the Constitution."

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya congratulated Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar on their success in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Maurya praised the formation of the Mahayuti government, highlighting the special bond between Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh due to the significant number of UP residents living in Maharashtra.

“The people of Uttar Pradesh are very happy with the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections and the formation of the Mahayuti government,” Maurya said, underlining the strong connection between the two states.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari hailed Devendra Fadnavis’ swearing-in as Maharashtra Chief Minister today, calling it a proud moment for the state. Bhandari also emphasized that the two deputy chief ministers would take their oaths, marking a significant victory for development.

“This is a day that showcases the victory of development,” Bhandari said in Delhi. He criticized the opposition alliance, referring to them as the ‘Maha Vinash Aghadi,’ accusing them of attempting to divide society and engaging in "vote jihad." He added, “Today is a day for them to introspect. The people of Maharashtra want to move forward with the vision of PM Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat.’”

Union Minister of State for Defence, Raksha Khadse, arrived in Mumbai ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra Chief Minister-designate, Devendra Fadnavis. Speaking to the media, Khadse expressed her excitement, calling the day significant for both the workers and the people of Maharashtra.

“This is a big day for our workers and the people of Maharashtra because the Mahayuti government is now in power in the state. Devendra Fadnavis is going to take oath as CM today, and there is tremendous enthusiasm among the people and workers,” she said.

Raut contended, "This is not a government formed for the interest of Maharashtra or the country. They have come together out of selfishness." Despite the criticism, Raut acknowledged that people across the state have expressed discontent with the election results, but added, "Even so, the state will have a CM today, and we welcome him."

Raut further accused the BJP of using a strategy to "break and finish" parties that collaborate with them, suggesting the possibility of the BJP dissolving Shinde’s faction. He emphasized that while Fadnavis now has the majority, the delay in forming the government for 15 days indicates internal issues within the Mahayuti alliance.

Ahead of Devendra Fadnavis’ swearing-in as Maharashtra Chief Minister today, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut made strong remarks, declaring the "Shinde era" over. Speaking to the media, Raut stated, “Shinde’s tenure was brief, lasting only two years. His role is now over, and he has been discarded. He will never be Maharashtra's CM again."

The swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to attract 42,000 attendees, with 2,000 VIPs, including religious and political leaders, accommodated in special seating arrangements.

Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls in October 2024, Devendra Fadnavis disclosed assets totaling Rs 13.27 crore. The two-time former Chief Minister reported a total income of Rs 79.3 lakh for 2023-24, a decrease from Rs 92.48 lakh in the previous year.

Fadnavis' movable assets include Rs 56.07 lakh in his name, Rs 6.96 crore in his wife Amruta Fadnavis’ name, and Rs 10.22 lakh in his daughter’s name. His liquid assets include Rs 23,500 cash in hand, with Rs 10,000 in his wife’s possession.

He has investments worth Rs 20.70 lakh in NSS, postal savings, insurance policies, and financial instruments, while his wife holds Rs 5.62 crore in bonds, debentures, shares, and mutual funds. Fadnavis owns 450 grams of gold ornaments valued at Rs 32.85 lakh, while his wife’s gold holdings total Rs 65.7 lakh (900 grams).

In real estate, Fadnavis owns assets worth Rs 4.69 crore, including agricultural land in Chandrapur and a residential building in Nagpur. His wife’s immovable assets are valued at Rs 95.29 lakh.

The affidavit further reveals no bank loans, though Fadnavis owes Rs 62 lakh to his wife.

The guest list for today's swearing-in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra's Chief Minister includes a host of prominent figures.

Key attendees will include:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah

BJP National President JP Nadda

Chief Ministers and Deputy CMs of NDA-ruled states

Union Ministers

Sadhus and Saints

1,000 beneficiaries of the ‘Ladki Bahin’ initiative

Farmer beneficiaries

Prominent personalities from industry, entertainment, academia, and literature

Karyakartas from all Mahayuti constituents, including BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP

Additionally, special arrangements have been made for 40,000 BJP supporters, with separate seating for 2,000 VVIPs, including leaders from various religious communities.

(From News18)

At a joint press conference with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar, outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde downplayed speculation around his role in the upcoming government, stating that the installation of the new CM would be a smooth affair. When asked if he would be part of the government, Shinde replied, "Wait till evening," fueling further uncertainty. However, Ajit Pawar interjected with humor, "He may decide by evening, but I am going to take oath as deputy CM."

Shinde, referring to Pawar's past experience in government formation, quipped, "Ajit dada has experience. He can take oath in the evening as well as in the morning," alluding to Ajit’s surprise swearing-in as deputy CM in 2019. Pawar, with a smile, reassured, "This time, it won't be a short span but for five years."

In light of the Maharashtra swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan, the Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a traffic advisory to ensure smooth movement and minimize public inconvenience. The advisory will be in effect from 12 PM on December 5 until the event concludes.

Due to limited parking at Azad Maidan, citizens are encouraged to use public transport, especially trains and local services. The police have advised commuters to plan their travel accordingly.

Key traffic restrictions include:

No Entry on Mahapalika Marg (CSMT Junction to Vasudev Balawant Phadake Chowk) and Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Chafekar Bandhu Chowk to Vasudev Balawant Phadake Chowk).

Traffic Diversions via Maharishi Karve Road, Hajarimal Somani Marg (Chafekar Bandhu Chowk to CSMT Junction), and Meghdoot Bridge.

Rambhau Salgaonkar Road will remain open for two-way traffic from 12 PM to 8 PM.

The grand swearing-in ceremony is set for December 5, at 5 pm at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Devendra Fadnavis will take the oath alongside his key political allies—Eknath Shinde from Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), both of whom are expected to be appointed deputy chief ministers. Maharashtra's Assembly Elections were held on November 20, with results declared on November 23. Since then, there has been speculation about who will be the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Finally Devendra Fadnavis was named for the top post after a BJP legislature meeting on December 4.

Devendra Fadnavis was finalised for the top post during the core committee meeting, which took place prior to the legislature party meeting.--Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and Devendra Fadnavis attended the BJP's core committee meeting.--The BJP has appointed Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani as central observers for the party's Maharashtra legislature meeting.--The BJP achieved a significant victory in the November 20 Maharashtra elections, securing 132 out of 288 assembly seats, its best performance in the state to date.--With its allies—the Shiv Sena, led by caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar's NCP—the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition holds a strong majority of 230 seats.

The BJP core committee officially cleared Fadnavis’s name as CM early Wednesday, with the legislature party unanimously backing the decision. The move marks Fadnavis’s return to the top post after a brief stint as CM during the 2019 political drama when he formed a government with Ajit Pawar for 80 hours.

The Mumbai Police have issued a traffic advisory to manage congestion around Azad Maidan during the swearing-in event. Citizens have been advised to avoid certain routes and plan their travel accordingly.

Speaking after being unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP legislative party, Fadnavis thanked PM Modi for his trust in him. “The Assembly elections were an eye-opener and reinforced the belief that ‘Modi hai toh mumkin hai’ (With Modi, it’s possible),” he said.

Fadnavis added, “I am grateful to PM Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and senior leaders for giving an ordinary karyakarta like me the opportunity to become CM for the third time. This government will work tirelessly for all segments of society, irrespective of caste, community, or religion.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, key figures in orchestrating BJP’s electoral success in the state, are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani were present as central observers during internal BJP meetings leading up to this moment.

While Maharashtra is allowed a 43-member ministry, today’s oath-taking will primarily include the CM, two Deputy CMs, and possibly a few other leaders. Negotiations for cabinet berths are reportedly ongoing between the Mahayuti partners.

The BJP, Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—together forming the Mahayuti alliance—secured a decisive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with the BJP bagging 132 seats. However, prolonged negotiations among alliance partners delayed the government formation.

Addressing the media post his meeting at Raj Bhawan, Fadnavis shared, “I have full faith that Eknath Shinde will join us to fulfill the promises made to the people of Maharashtra.” He also expressed gratitude for letters of support from both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, which enabled the alliance to stake claim to form the government.

After more than ten days of political suspense, Devendra Fadnavis is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra today at 5:30 PM at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan. Ajit Pawar has been confirmed as the Deputy Chief Minister, while former CM Eknath Shinde is also likely to take the oath, though official confirmation is awaited.

After days of political suspense and backroom negotiations, Maharashtra is set to witness a historic swearing-in ceremony this evening at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan. At 5:30 PM, Devendra Fadnavis will take oath as Chief Minister, marking his triumphant return to the state’s top post. Joining him will be Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister, with former CM Eknath Shinde likely to take the oath too, though confirmation is still awaited.