Mumbai – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Devendra Fadnavis, fondly called ‘Devabhau,’ took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time on Thursday, marking a historic moment in state politics. Fadnavis was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Maharashtra Governor, C.P. Radhakrishnan, at a grand ceremony held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present to witness this significant moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Fadnavis, an influential leader from Nagpur, is well-known for his combination of assertiveness and diplomacy. Over the years, he has become one of the most prominent figures in Maharashtra’s political scene. His appointment as Chief Minister for a third term is a testament to his continued popularity and political acumen.
A Historic Record
Devendra Fadnavis’s ascent to the top office is a momentous occasion in the state’s history. He is only the second Chief Minister of Maharashtra, after the late Vasantrao Phulsingh Naik, to have completed a full term in office (2014-2019). Naik served from 1962 to 1967, and his achievement was unparalleled until Fadnavis’s tenure. Several prominent leaders, including former Deputy Prime Minister Yashwantrao Chavan, Manohar Joshi, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar, failed to achieve the feat due to political instability or other challenges.
Fadnavis, a Brahmin leader, is only the second Chief Minister from this community after Manohar Joshi, and he is also the first Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra’s history to later ascend to the Chief Minister’s office. At the age of 44, he became the youngest Chief Minister in Maharashtra’s history in 2014, and this new term reinforces his status as a key political figure in the state.
The Journey to the Third Term
Fadnavis’s third term comes after a nail-biting 10-day wait following the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the leading party. On December 5, Fadnavis was elected leader of the BJP’s legislative party, paving the way for his swearing-in ceremony the next day. In a key show of support, senior BJP leaders, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, were present at the ceremony.
Born on July 22, 1970, Devendra Fadnavis’s political journey began at a young age. At 22, he became a corporator, and at 27, he became the youngest-ever Mayor of Nagpur. His rise continued as he was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1999, representing Nagpur South West. In 2013, he was appointed as the Maharashtra BJP chief, which significantly boosted his political standing, leading to his first term as Chief Minister in 2014.
Key Achievements in Office
During his first term as Chief Minister, Fadnavis made significant strides in governance and infrastructure development. Among his notable achievements were the enactment of the Right to Service Act, one of India’s first laws aimed at ensuring timely public service delivery, and the launch of the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, an initiative designed to combat drought across Maharashtra. Under this initiative, more than 6 lakh low-cost water structures were built across 22,000 villages, significantly improving water accessibility.
Fadnavis also spearheaded several high-profile infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai and Pune Metro expansions, the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL). These projects have not only transformed the state’s infrastructure but also strengthened Maharashtra’s position as an industrial powerhouse.
The Brief Second Term
Fadnavis’s second term as Chief Minister in 2019 was brief, lasting only three days. He took office after a dramatic political sequence that saw the BJP form an alliance with Shiv Sena, only to resign after failing to secure a majority in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Despite this setback, Fadnavis’s resilience was evident as he bounced back in the 2024 elections.
Third Term’s Promise
With his third term, Fadnavis is poised to continue his mission of transforming Maharashtra into a dominant industrial hub while improving infrastructure and governance. His leadership is seen as key to maintaining stability in the state, especially in the face of challenges posed by both opposition parties and internal political dynamics. As Chief Minister, he is expected to prioritize economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs to address Maharashtra’s growing demands.
A Social Media Phenomenon
Fadnavis’s popularity extends beyond the political sphere. He is one of the most followed politicians in Maharashtra, with a staggering 59 lakh followers on X (formerly Twitter), 91 lakh on Facebook, and 20 lakh on Instagram. His active engagement with people on social media platforms has played a crucial role in shaping his public image and connecting with the youth.
Personal Life
Fadnavis is married to Amruta Fadnavis, a banker and social activist, and they have a daughter, Divija. The family has remained relatively low-profile, with Amruta actively involved in social work.
Legacy of Vasantrao Naik
As Maharashtra’s longest-serving Chief Minister with a tenure of over 11 years, Vasantrao Naik’s legacy has cast a long shadow over the state’s political landscape. Devendra Fadnavis now joins the ranks of influential leaders like Naik, Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde, who have held the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra.
Looking Ahead
As Maharashtra enters a new chapter under Fadnavis’s leadership, expectations are high for him to steer the state towards further progress. His vision for the state’s growth, combined with his deep political experience, is set to define Maharashtra’s political landscape for the foreseeable future.