Maharashtra CM News: Fadnavis to take oath as CM tomorrow, PM to attend ceremony; Shinde to reportedly take oath as Dy CM alongwith Ajit Pawar

After over two weeks of intense negotiations, BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis is set to be sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday at a grand ceremony in Azad Maidan here, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.

In addition to Fadnavis, two deputy chief ministers, including NCP leader Ajit Pawar, will also take their oaths during the event in south Mumbai.

While the formation of the government under Fadnavis is confirmed, uncertainty remains regarding whether outgoing chief minister Eknath Shinde will be included in the new ministry.

Newly-elected Shiv Sena MLAs on Wednesday met party president Eknath Shinde and urged him to take up the post of deputy chief minister in new Maharashtra government to be helmed by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.

Party legislators said they have been meeting Shinde, who is currently the caretaker chief minister, since the last two days to convince him to become part of the new government.

All through the day, the MLAs made a beeline to 'Varsha', the CM's official residence, to meet the outgoing chief minister.

The press conference of the Mahayuti allies here after they staked claim to form government in Maharashtra witnessed some banter thanks to Ajit Pawar, a `veteran' deputy chief minister.

When Shinde, sitting between Fadnavis and Pawar at the press conference, was asked whether he would take oath as deputy CM, he was evasive, saying, "Wait till evening." Ajit Pawar, sitting on his left, immediately cut in and said, "Don't know about him, but I am taking oath tomorrow." It drew laughter.

Not to be outdone, Shinde quipped, "Ajit dada (as Pawar is called) has experience of taking oath in the morning as well as in the evening." It evoked a guffaw.

Devendra Fadnavis expressed his gratitude after being unanimously elected as the Leader of the Legislative Party, calling the election “a historic one.”

He said, “I bow down before the people of Maharashtra for the mandate.” Fadnavis also thanked key political figures, stating, “I thank Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Ramdas Athawale for their contribution.”

A platoon of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and Quick Response Team (QRT), Riots Control Team, Delta, Combat teams and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad have also been deployed.

Security arrangements have also been made considering the traffic congestion on roads leading to Azad Maidan, and 280 personnel of the traffic wing, including senior police officials, will ensure smooth vehicular movement.

A three-day special session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly will be held in Mumbai from December 7 to enable newly-elected MLAs to take oath and elect a speaker, legislature sources said on Wednesday.

The sources told news agency PTI that newly-elected MLAs will be sworn-in on December 7 and 8. On December 9, election for the speaker of the newly-constituted 15th assembly will be held and this will be followed by trust vote of the new Mahayuti government.

Key Mahayuti leaders, Maharashtra Chief Minister-elect and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, and Nationalist Congress Party’s Ajit Pawar, met Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Mumbai’s Raj Bhavan on Wednesday afternoon to stake claim to form the government.

After meeting the governor, the key Mahayuti leaders jointly held a press conference, where Fadnavis declared Ajit Pawar his deputy-elect.

Later, Shiv Sena sources said Eknath Shinde will also take oath as Deputy CM alongwith Pawar.

Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai are in full swing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, nearly 2,000 VVIPs, and 40,000 supporters are expected to attend, along with several Union ministers and 19 chief ministers and deputy CMs from various states.

The political landscape shifted dramatically following the 2019 assembly elections.

Fadnavis’ much-anticipated second term as CM was cut short when Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray demanded a power-sharing arrangement, leading to a split in the alliance.

Fadnavis was sworn in briefly on November 23, 2019, but his tenure lasted just 72 hours, with the government collapsing after a Supreme Court ruling.

The swearing-in will take place at Azad Maidan ground in south Mumbai at 5.30 pm on Thursday, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers besides chief ministers of NDA-ruled states.

Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis arrives at Varsha bungalow to meet Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde

As per reports. Eknath Shinde to take oath tomorrow as Maharashtra's Deputy CM along with Ajit Pawar, in the new government

The invite, issued by chief secretary Sujata Saunik, refers to him as “Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis”. While Gangadhar is the name of his father, Sarita is his mother. Notably, this is the first time he has used his mother’s name for an official purpose.

Full report here.

Maharashtra CM News Live: BJP leaders celebrate at the party office

PM Modi, nine to ten Union ministers, and 19 chief ministers and deputy chief ministers will attend the ceremony.

Special arrangements have been made to accommodate 40,000 BJP supporters and a separate seating arrangement made for 2,000 VVIPs, including leaders from various religions.

Fadnavis’ return as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister further solidifies the BJP’s  commanding position in the state’s political landscape.

This comes after a turbulent period in 2019, when the BJP lost out on forming the government due to a power struggle with Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray.

The swearing-in will take place at Azad Maidan ground in south Mumbai at 5.30 pm on Thursday, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers besides chief ministers of NDA-ruled states.

Addressing a press conference after Fadnavis, Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar met Governor CP Radhakrishnan and staked claim to form the government, Shinde sought to play his cards close to his chest and refused to divulge whether or not he has accepted the BJP’s offer to be deputy CM.

“Wait till evening,” Shinde said when asked about his role in the Mahayuti government.

Ajit Pawar, who was present alongside Shinde at the joint press briefing, jumped in and said that he was unwilling to wait for Shinde to make up his mind.

More here.

"I and two deputy chief ministers will take oath (during the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday evening). It is yet to be decided how many ministers will take oath," Fadnavis said.

Maharashtra caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde, ending speculations over bickering for the chief minister's position, said that he supports Devendra Fadnavis for the top post as he was only 'returning the favour'.

More here.

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde said, "I am very happy with the completion of two and a half years. The work done by our government, the Mahayuti government, the three of us and our team in the last 2.5 years is remarkable. It will be written in golden letters in history. We are happy that we took such big decisions..."

Requested Shinde that it is the wish of Mahayuti workers that he should be with us in this govt. said Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis said, "The swearing-in ceremony of the new government will be held tomorrow at 5.30 pm in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi... We will decide by evening who all will take oath tomorrow. Yesterday I met Eknath Shinde and requested him that it is the wish of Mahayuti workers that he should be with us in this government. I have full faith that he will be with us... We will fulfill the promises made to the people of Maharashtra..."

Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis said, "The posts of CM and DCM are just technical posts. We all will work together for Maharashtra. Other ministers will be decided in upcoming meetings..."

Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis said, "We have met the Governor and handed over the letter of support to stake claim to form the government in the state. Our alliance partners Shiv Sena and NCP have requested the Governor that I should be sworn in as Mahayuti CM...Governor accepted all the requests and invited us for the oath ceremony tomorrow at 5.30 pm..."

On BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis elected as the leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party, BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar said, “He is a popular and influential leader of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. It is a matter of good fortune and we are excited that he has been chosen as the CM. We are very excited about his selection. The Mahayuti is united... The people of the state are eagerly waiting for the swearing-in ceremony tomorrow and they want to see the leader chosen by them become the Chief Minister and take this state to new heights...”

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar stake claim to form the government in the state.

Party's Central Observers for the state, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani are also present.

Devendra Fadnavis to take oath as CM of Maharashtra tomorrow, 5th December

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai to stake claim to form the government in the state.

Maharashtra CM News Live: Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis arrive at Raj Bhavan

Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora said, "I have said from day one that there is no problem in Mahayuti. Mahayuti is committed to serve the people of Maharashtra...Eknath Shinde works like a worker, he is not interested in the chair, he is interested in delivering justice, this is how this government will move forward..."

In his election affidavit in October 2024 ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, Devendra Fadnavis disclosed movable and immovable assets amounting to Rs 13.27 crore.

Fadnavis, a two-time former chief minister, reported a total income of Rs 79.3 lakh in 2023-24, marking a decrease from the previous year’s income of Rs 92.48 lakh.

More details here.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis said, "I thank the prime minister for selecting someone like me, who has worked as a party worker, to serve in this role three times. Ek hain to safe hai, aur Modi hain to Mumkin hai (United we are safe, and with Modi, everything is possible)."

Speaking after being elected as leader of the state BJP legislature party ahead of Thursday's swearing-in ceremony, he also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing faith in him.

He underlined the challenges before the new government and said the real struggle lies in fulfilling the people's expectations.

Fadnavis' return as Maharashtra's Chief Minister further solidifies the BJP's  commanding position in the state's political landscape.

This comes after a turbulent period in 2019, when the BJP lost out on forming the government due to a power struggle with Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray.

Even after a disappointing performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Fadnavis was instrumental in shaping the seat-sharing arrangement with Shinde’s faction, which ultimately led to the BJP’s success in the state assembly polls.

Fadnavis’ career has been defined by his ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing political dynamics.

His loyalty to the BJP and his political foresight were key factors in his return to power as Deputy CM under Shinde in 2022, despite initially being reluctant.

Unlike many of his peers, Fadnavis has managed to remain unscathed by corruption allegations, setting him apart in a state rife with political scandals.

He is known for his articulate speeches and for pushing the Congress-NCP government into a corner over issues like the alleged irrigation scam.

In the aftermath, Fadnavis assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition until June 2022, when Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde led a rebellion, prompting Fadnavis to return to the government as Deputy Chief Minister under Shinde.

The political landscape shifted dramatically following the 2019 assembly elections.

Fadnavis’ much-anticipated second term as CM was cut short when Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray demanded a power-sharing arrangement, leading to a split in the alliance.

Fadnavis was sworn in briefly on November 23, 2019, but his tenure lasted just 72 hours, with the government collapsing after a Supreme Court ruling.

Fadnavis’ tenure as Chief Minister in 2014-19 was characterised by rapid infrastructure development and urban-centric reforms.

However, his leadership was not without challenges.

A loan waiver for farmers affected by crop losses sparked protests, and his handling of the Maratha community’s demand for reservations led to dissatisfaction when the Supreme Court struck down the legislation passed by his government.

Fadnavis' political journey began at a young age when he joined the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1989.

At just 22, he became a corporator in Nagpur and later won multiple assembly elections, retaining his Nagpur South West seat in the 2024 elections.

Fadnavis first gained national attention ahead of the 2014 assembly elections when he received strong backing from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leader Amit Shah.

PM Modi famously referred to him as "Nagpur's gift to the country," and Fadnavis played a pivotal role in leading the BJP to unprecedented victories in both the 2014 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections.

Fadnavis’ political career has been a series of significant milestones.

From being an unknown corporator to becoming the youngest mayor of Nagpur at the age of 27, he quickly made a name for himself.

He is only the second Brahmin to hold the position of Chief Minister of Maharashtra, after Shiv Sena’s Manohar Joshi.

Following the discussions at Varsha, the alliance leaders are expected to meet Governor CP Radhakrishnan to formally stake a claim to form the new government in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis is set to meet Eknath Shinde at 2 PM today at Varsha Bungalow, with Ajit Pawar also in attendance.

The key agenda for the meeting includes finalising the next steps for the government formation, discussing the allocation of cabinet portfolios, and confirming the list of leaders who will take the oath.

BJP leader Ashish Shelar is poised to take on the role of Chief Whip for the Maharashtra BJP in the new Mahayuti government.

Shelar’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the BJP gears up to govern in alliance with Shiv Sena and NCP, following their landslide victory in the state elections.

This is the third time Fadnavis will take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Fadnavis previously served as the state’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 and briefly in 2019 during a political crisis.

His leadership has been instrumental in the BJP’s remarkable performance in the recent state Assembly elections, with the Mahayuti alliance securing 230 out of 288 seats.

The official invitation card for the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra's new government has been released by the state government, confirming Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Minister.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

Devendra Fadnavis expressed his gratitude after being unanimously elected as the Leader of the Legislative Party, calling the election "a historic one." He said, "I bow down before the people of Maharashtra for the mandate." Fadnavis also thanked key political figures, stating, "I thank Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Ramdas Athawale for their contribution."

Devendra Fadnavis has been appointed as the BJP’s Legislative Party leader during the party’s core committee meeting. This positions him as the frontrunner to take charge of the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra.

Amid the announcement, party members enthusiastically raised slogans of “Deva Bhau Tum Aage Badho” (Deva Bhau, lead us forward), reflecting widespread support for Fadnavis, who is seen as pivotal in the alliance's electoral success.

“We should thank crores of the people of Maharashtra that we contested 149 seats and won 132, which is the highest in history. Our allies also won 57 and 41 seats. Seven MLAs have also given support to us, so we will have 237 Mahayuti members in this Assembly,” Bawankule stated.

Bawankule credited Devendra Fadnavis for the party's strong performance in the recent assembly elections, noting that the BJP's leadership played a key role in securing a historic mandate for the Mahayuti alliance.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed gratitude to voters for the historic victory of the Mahayuti alliance in the state assembly elections. Speaking about the coalition's success, Bawankule credited former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their leadership.

“We fought a historic election under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis and secured a mandate for Mahayuti. We are committed to making Maharashtra the number one state with PM Modi’s guidance,” Bawankule said.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam hinted at an imminent announcement, saying, "You will hear good news soon. The BJP legislature party leader will be someone the entire state wants as its chief minister."

"After the legislature meeting, all Mahayuti leaders will proceed to the Raj Bhavan to formally submit their claim to form the government in Maharashtra," Mungantiwar said.

Maharashtra BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar announced that the Mahayuti alliance leaders will meet Governor C P Radhakrishnan at 3:30 pm on Wednesday to stake a claim to form the government.

Speaking to the media, Mungantiwar confirmed that the meeting would follow the BJP's legislature party gathering at the Vidhan Bhavan, where a leader will be chosen to assume the chief minister's post.

Earlier on Tuesday, Shinde visited a private hospital for a health check-up, which sparked speculation about his unhappiness with how the new government is taking shape.

He later clarified that his health was fine.

Meanwhile, preparations for the swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai are in full swing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, nearly 2,000 VVIPs, and 40,000 supporters are expected to attend, along with several Union ministers and 19 chief ministers and deputy CMs from various states.

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, who arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday evening, stated that the name of the legislature party leader would be finalised after discussions with the newly-elected MLAs. "If there is unanimity, only one name will be selected", he added.

After meeting with the Election Commission regarding the assembly election result, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Tuesday slammed the BJP, claiming that the Mahayuti government did not come to power through the people's votes, but rather due to the influence of BJP leaders in Delhi.

"This government has not been formed by the people's votes. It has been created by the BJP leaders in Delhi who do not care about the people. We met the Election Commission today and will await their decision," Nana Patole told.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, a key leader in the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, is reportedly seeking a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah. Although no formal appointment has been scheduled, discussions about his potential role in the new government are still a possibility.

The BJP’s newly elected MLAs are scheduled to convene today to elect their legislature party leader. Following this meeting, it is anticipated that Fadnavis, Shinde, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar will jointly meet Governor Ramesh Bais at Raj Bhavan to formally stake their claim to form Maharashtra's new government.

Ahead of the key legislature party meeting, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis held an hour-long meeting with caretaker CM Shinde on Tuesday. This marked their first in-person interaction since their discussions in Delhi last week over government formation.

Devendra Fadnavis met caretaker CM Eknath Shinde at his Varsha residence on Tuesday evening.

The suspense over the new Maharashtra Chief Minister is likely to end today.

The BJP is all set to elect its legislative party leader in a key NDA meeting today.

Meanwhile, Shinde on Tuesday chaired a hybrid meeting to monitor preparations for Babasaheb Ambedkar's death anniversary.

After the crucial BJP legislative party meet, Shinde and Fadnavis are expected to meet the Governor.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the Maharashtra Chief Minister appointment today. First up, our eyes are on the key BJP meet scheduled to held at Mumbai later today. Furthermore, we will also be tracking other related developments in the run up to this much-awaited party legislature meeting as the suspense over the next CM deepens