Maharashtra CM Swearing-In: Devendra Fadnavis’ Political Journey from Youngest Mayor to 3-Time Chief Minister

Maharashtra CM: Devendra Fadnavis, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister for the third time. Known for his resilience and strategic acumen, Fadnavis’ rise from being the youngest mayor of Nagpur to leading the state as its CM is a testament to his determination and leadership skills.

“I Will Be Back”

In December 2019, during a challenging phase in his career, Fadnavis invoked a powerful Hindi couplet:
“Mera paani utarte dekh kinare par ghar mat bana lena, main samandar hoon, laut kar vapis aaunga”
(“Thinking the tide has ebbed, don’t you dare build your house on the coast; for I am the sea, and I will come back”).

This statement, made while serving as the Leader of Opposition, came after the BJP lost its alliance with the Shiv Sena, and Uddhav Thackeray took over as CM. Fast forward to 2024, Fadnavis’ comeback is complete, with the Mahayuti alliance winning 235 seats in the 288-member Assembly, securing his third term as CM.

A Historic Victory

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s success in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections is remarkable, with the BJP itself winning 132 seats. This is a significant improvement from the 105 seats it won in 2019. The alliance’s victory highlights Fadnavis’ ability to strategize and consolidate power even after setbacks.

Political Milestones

• Youngest Mayor: Fadnavis began his political journey as a Councilor in 1992 and became Nagpur’s youngest mayor in 1997 at just 27 years old.
• First CM Term (2014-2019): At 44, he became Maharashtra’s second-youngest Chief Minister, serving a full term.
• Deputy CM Role: In 2022, he took on the role of Deputy CM under Eknath Shinde, a move initially viewed as a demotion but proved instrumental in strengthening BJP’s foothold in the state.

Educational and Personal Background

Fadnavis was born on July 22, 1970, in Nagpur. He holds a law degree and a diploma in project management from Germany. His family has deep political roots, with his father, Gangadhar Fadnavis, serving in the Maharashtra Legislative Council and actively opposing the Emergency.

He is married to Amruta Fadnavis, a banker, and together they have a net worth of ₹13 crore.

Challenges and Triumphs

Fadnavis’ political journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2019, his second term as CM lasted just five days due to the collapse of an alliance with Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Despite setbacks, his strategic decisions, including joining the Shinde government as Deputy CM, have paid off, culminating in the BJP’s current dominance in Maharashtra politics.

Looking Ahead

As Devendra Fadnavis takes the oath for his third term, he joins the ranks of political stalwarts like Vasantrao Naik and Sharad Pawar. His journey is a testament to his resilience and political foresight, positioning him as a pivotal leader in Maharashtra’s ever-evolving political landscape.