Devendra Fadnavis returns as Maharashtra chief minister; Shinde, Pawar take oath as deputy CMs

PM Modi was present at a grand ceremony which was attended by who’s who of world of politics, business, entertainment, sports and literature.

Mumbai: Heralding a new era of coalition politics, BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the 31st Chief Minister of Maharashtra at a grand ceremony at the historic Azad Maidan in Mumbai where the Maha Yuti-NDA staged a show of strength and togetherness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at the impressive event which was attended by who’s who of the world of politics, business, entertainment, sports, literature.

Catch all the latest from the swearing-in-ceremony here

Fadnavis would head the BJP-led Maha Yuti government which includes a dozen parties including Shiv Sena and NCP.

The 54-year-old is a six-time MLA from Nagpur South-West.

This is the third term as CM for Fadnavis.

Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered oath of office and secrecy to Fadnavis.

In the previous government, Fadnavis was a Deputy CM.

Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde (60) was sworn in as the Deputy CM. Shinde was the CM in the previous MahaYuti government. He is a five-time MLA from Kopri-Pachpakadi in Thane city.

NCP President Ajit Pawar (65) was sworn in as the Deputy CM. This is the sixth term for Ajit Pawar as the Deputy CM. He is an eight-time MLA from Baramati.

Incidentally, Fadanvis, Shinde and Pawar had served as Leaders of Opposition in different points of time.

In the 15th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the Maha Yuti has 235 seats of the total strength of 288.

The BJP has got 132 seats, Shiv Sena 57 and NCP 41.

The BJP has support of five legislators from the smaller parties and independents.

Shinde was initially reluctant to accept the job of Deputy CM, however, after back not back meetings and requests by party colleagues he reluctantly agreed.