Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar take oath as Deputy CMs in presence of PM Modi

In a grand ceremony held at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, Devendra Fadnavis took the oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time on Wednesday. This marks a pivotal moment in Maharashtra's political landscape as the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance, known as the Mahayuti coalition, consolidates power in the state.

The event witnessed a high-profile turnout, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in attendance. Key Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states were also present, underscoring the political significance of the ceremony.

Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oaths as Deputy Chief Ministers following Fadnavis’ swearing-in, signaling the unity and strength of the Mahayuti coalition. The alliance aims to deliver on governance promises while navigating the state’s complex political dynamics.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Fadnavis and Shinde for their leadership roles, acknowledging their contributions to Maharashtra’s development. "This is a new chapter for Maharashtra under the Mahayuti alliance," PM Modi remarked after the ceremony.

The ceremony highlighted Fadnavis’ political resilience, as he returns for a third term after significant realignments in state politics. Shinde, instrumental in the political shifts that led to the Mahayuti alliance, expressed confidence in the coalition's ability to work cohesively for the state’s progress.

As the Mahayuti coalition begins its tenure, key issues such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare are expected to dominate its agenda. The leaders emphasized their commitment to delivering on promises and maintaining unity within the alliance.