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MUMBAI: More than 10 days after the Mahayuti swept the Maharashtra assembly elections, the suspense is finally over. Devendra Fadnavis of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be sworn in as Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister for the third time on Thursday at 5:30 PM at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
While it is confirmed that Ajit Pawar will be taking oath as Deputy CM, Eknath Shinde is also likely to take oath as Deputy CM, though a confirmation is still awaited.
Fadnavis and Pawar had previously served as deputy chief ministers under outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the Mahayuti government. However, the role of Shinde in the new cabinet under Fadnavis remains uncertain.
Shinde has expressed his displeasure over not being given the top post, despite his pivotal role in leading the alliance to victory in the state elections. Prior to Shinde's decision, Shiv Sena leaders had strongly advocated for him to be made CM.
When asked about his participation in the swearing-in ceremony, Shinde left the matter unresolved, telling everyone to wait for the evening. Ajit Pawar humorously responded, stating that “We will know about Shinde by evening, but I will take it (the oath); I will not wait.” Shinde smiled and replied, “Dada (Ajit Pawar) has experience of taking [oath] both in the morning and evening.”
The event is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several BJP chief ministers, and key figures from the Shiv Sena and NCP.
In preparation for the event, Mumbai police have made arrangements for over 40,000 attendees, with 2,000 VVIPs, including political leaders and influential religious figures, receiving special seating arrangements.
Over 3,500 police personnel, including 520 officers, will be stationed for security. Traffic advisories and restrictions will be in place from 12 PM onwards, and the public is encouraged to use public transportation due to limited parking at the venue.