Devendra Fadnavis Returns as Maharashtra CM; Eknath Shinde to Take Oath as Deputy CM

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has invited the Mahayuti alliance to form the next state government. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis will return as Chief Minister, while outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to take on the role of Deputy Chief Minister. This follows the alliance’s resounding victory in the assembly elections, where they secured 230 of the 288 seats. The BJP led the charge with 132 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 57, and the NCP with 41.

While an official announcement is awaited, Shiv Sena sources have indicated that Eknath Shinde will share the Deputy Chief Minister’s responsibilities with Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The decision reportedly came after an intense meeting at Varsha, the Chief Minister’s official residence, where Shiv Sena leaders convinced Shinde to take the role to ensure alliance stability and effective governance. Initially reluctant, Shinde agreed to step aside, underscoring his commitment to the coalition’s broader vision.

Devendra Fadnavis, who served as Deputy Chief Minister in the previous Shinde-led government, is widely regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most influential leaders. Having completed a full term as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019—a rare accomplishment since Vasantrao Naik—Fadnavis is credited with spearheading the BJP’s robust electoral campaign that secured the alliance’s landslide victory. His return to the Chief Minister’s chair is expected to bring a renewed focus on economic growth and infrastructure development.

The Mahayuti alliance’s formation signals a strategic consolidation of power among the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. Leaders have pledged to prioritize Maharashtra’s progress, emphasizing policies aimed at boosting industrial growth, addressing farmers’ concerns, and enhancing urban infrastructure. Political observers view this collaboration as a calculated move to strengthen the alliance’s position against the opposition.

The swearing-in ceremony is set to take place at 5:30 PM today at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance, signifying the event’s national importance. As Maharashtra steps into this new political era, all eyes will be on how the Mahayuti leadership navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.