Wed Dec 04 11:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Fadnavis Sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister; Shinde and Pawar Deputy CMs

**Mumbai, December 5, 2023** – Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a third term tomorrow, December 5th, at 5:30 PM in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was unanimously elected leader of the BJP legislature party earlier today.

Fadnavis will be joined by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who will be sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, secured a commanding majority in the recent assembly elections with a combined 230 seats.

The alliance formally staked its claim to form the government earlier today, presenting a letter of support to the Governor. The newly elected MLAs will be sworn in during a special three-day session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly beginning December 7th. The winter session will then commence in Nagpur from December 16th to 21st.

Ashish Shelar, the newly appointed chief whip of the BJP’s state unit, described the election victory as a “Diwali” for the party, highlighting the unprecedented support received. Nirmala Sitharaman echoed this sentiment, stating the victory sends a strong message towards a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India).

While initial reports suggested a larger cabinet would be sworn in tomorrow, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant clarified that only the Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers will take the oath at this time. Cabinet formation and portfolio allocation will be decided later.

Fadnavis himself emphasized that the positions of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers are “technical,” and that all three leaders will work together. He expressed his gratitude to Shinde and Pawar, as well as Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their support. Over 4,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure security for the high-profile swearing-in ceremony.

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