Thu Dec 05 23:12:55 UTC 2024: ## Fadnavis Sworn in as Maharashtra CM in Surprise Coalition Government
**Mumbai, India** – Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a third term in a stunning turn of events on Thursday evening. The ceremony at Azad Maidan, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of Bollywood and sports celebrities, also saw the inauguration of two Deputy Chief Ministers: Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde.
Pawar, a veteran Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, assumes the Deputy CM post for a sixth time, while Shinde, who previously served as Chief Minister, takes on the role for the first time in this new government. This unexpected alliance, dubbed “Mahayuti 2.0,” combines the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, forming a coalition with a commanding majority of 230 seats in the 288-member state assembly.
Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan administered the oaths of office. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar indicated that the remaining cabinet members will be sworn in before the winter session of the assembly.
The swearing-in ceremony was a high-profile affair, drawing a large number of dignitaries including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J.P. Nadda, and several Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states. Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor, along with cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, were also in attendance.
Fadnavis’s appointment follows the BJP’s strong performance in the recent elections, where they secured 132 seats. The formation of this unexpected coalition ends weeks of political uncertainty.
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