Wed Dec 04 09:56:30 UTC 2024: ## Fadnavis to Begin Third Term as Maharashtra Chief Minister

**Mumbai, India –** Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for a third term tomorrow at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. The BJP announced its decision today, ending weeks of speculation following the Mahayuti alliance’s resounding victory in the recent state elections.

After receiving the approval of newly elected BJP legislators, Fadnavis, accompanied by Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, met with Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake his claim to form the government.

In a meeting with BJP MLAs, Fadnavis expressed his gratitude for the party’s support and attributed the Mahayuti’s success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign slogan. He pledged that the BJP’s “double engine” government would drive development in Maharashtra.

The decision concludes an eleven-day period of uncertainty regarding the Chief Minister’s position. While Shiv Sena initially advocated for Shinde to retain the post, the BJP, having won a significant majority of seats (132 out of 148 contested), asserted its right to the top job. Shinde ultimately declared his willingness to accept the decision of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The NCP’s support further solidified the BJP’s position. While some Sena leaders continued to emphasize Shinde’s contributions to the alliance’s victory, the BJP’s decisive win ultimately tipped the scales. The Mahayuti secured 230 out of 288 Assembly seats.

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