Devendra Fadnavis all set to be Maharashtra Chief Minister; to take oath on Dec 5

Devendra Fadnavis Maharashtra CM: Devendra Fadnavis is all set to take oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister at Azad Maidan on Thursday, marking his third term in the top post. The BJP leadership finalised his name for the position on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation. The newly elected legislators subsequently endorsed his candidacy, officially confirming his selection.

Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony are in full swing at Azad Maidan, just two weeks after the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition’s landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Ahead of the ceremony, Fadnavis is scheduled to meet Governor CP Radhakrishnan to formally stake his claim to form the government.

The decision to appoint Fadnavis was reached by the BJP’s core committee, bringing an end to the 11-day suspense over the Chief Minister's post. Following the coalition’s victory—securing 230 out of 288 seats—Shiv Sena leaders initially argued that Eknath Shinde, who spearheaded the alliance during the campaign, should retain his role as Chief Minister. However, the BJP, with a commanding 132-seat win out of the 148 it contested, asserted its claim to lead the government this term.

Shinde later publicly expressed his willingness to accept any decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, stating he would not obstruct the government formation process. Despite this, Shiv Sena leaders continued to emphasize Shinde's significant role in the Mahayuti's success.

With the BJP requiring the support of only one ally to achieve a majority, and the NCP reportedly backing the coalition, Shinde’s position to negotiate was weakened. Ultimately, the BJP’s strategic decision to appoint Fadnavis reflects its effort to consolidate its leadership in Maharashtra, with the Mahayuti alliance poised to begin a new chapter under his guidance.