Thu Dec 05 12:51:15 UTC 2024: **Maharashtra: Fadnavis sworn in as CM, Shinde and Pawar as Deputy CMs**

MUMBAI, INDIA – Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on [Date], marking his third term in the position. Simultaneously, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. The ceremony, held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and numerous other dignitaries including several Chief Ministers from across India, as well as prominent Bollywood celebrities and businessmen like Mukesh Ambani and Salman Khan.

Initially, there was uncertainty surrounding Shinde’s participation, with reports suggesting displeasure. However, BJP leader Girish Mahajan confirmed Shinde’s participation as Deputy CM, resolving the speculation. Shinde’s acceptance reportedly followed assurances from fellow Shiv Sena members who emphasized the importance of his role in the government. A touching moment occurred when Prime Minister Modi shared a joke with Shinde after the ceremony, eliciting laughter from the Deputy Chief Minister.

Before the ceremony, Shinde paid tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe, and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah – an unusual public display of appreciation. Fadnavis’s mother performed a traditional *aarti* (prayer) before he left for the ceremony, a picture of which quickly went viral on social media.

The new government’s formation followed intense political maneuvering in the state. Sources indicate that the allocation of portfolios, particularly the crucial Urban Development department previously held by Shinde, remains a point of discussion within the coalition. Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) and Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) did not attend the swearing-in ceremony.

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