Today, On Thursday, December 5, Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as the 18^th Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The ceremony will take place at Mumbai Azad Maidan at 5 pm in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ajit Pawar, the head of the NCP, will be among the two deputy chief ministers sworn in during the event. Eknath Shinde, the outgoing chief minister, may or may not be a member of the new Mahayuti ministry.

In the complex landscape of Maharashtra's political arena, one name that stands out prominently is Devendra Fadnavis. A seasoned politician, strategic leader, and influential figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Fadnavis has carved a significant niche for himself in Indian politics. His journey from a young activist to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra is a testament to his political acumen, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Fadnavis became the front-runner for the coveted position when the BJP became the largest party in the state elections, securing 132 seats, the most ever. The Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, received 57 and 41 seats individually.

Devendra Fadnavis will serve as Maharashtra's chief minister for a third time. Between October 2014 until November 2019, he held the highest position. However, his second term, which ran from November 23 to November 28, 2019, was brief since the Shiv Sena broke with the BJP.

Early Life and Background Of Devendra Fadnavis

Born on 15 April 1970 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis came from a middle-class family with a background in public service. His father, Gangadhar Fadnavis, was a lawyer and a local politician, which undoubtedly influenced young Devendra's political aspirations. Growing up in Nagpur, a city known for its strong RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) roots, Fadnavis was exposed to nationalist ideologies from an early age.

During his college years, Fadnavis was actively involved in student politics, demonstrating leadership qualities that would later define his political career. He was associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, which provided him a platform to develop his political skills and network.

His Entry into Politics

Fadnavis's formal political journey began when he was elected as a corporator in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation at the young age of 22. This early entry into local politics marked the beginning of what would become a remarkable political trajectory. His dedication, intelligent approach to governance, and ability to connect with people quickly set him apart from his contemporaries.

In 2004, he was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for the first time, representing the Nagpur North constituency. This was a significant milestone in his political career, providing him a broader platform to serve the people and contribute to state-level policymaking.

Rise in the BJP

Within the BJP, Devendra Fadnavis steadily rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a dynamic and strategic leader. He was known for his articulate communication, deep understanding of policy matters, and ability to navigate complex political landscapes. His performance as a legislator and his organizational skills caught the attention of senior party leadership.

By 2009, he had become the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, a role that further enhanced his political profile. During this period, he was critical of the then-ruling Congress-NCP coalition, consistently highlighting governance issues and presenting alternative policy perspectives.

His Journey As Chief Minister of Maharashtra

In October 2014, Devendra Fadnavis made history by becoming the Chief Minister of Maharashtra at the age of 44, making him one of the youngest chief ministers in the state's history. His appointment came after the BJP formed an alliance with the Shiv Sena, marking a significant political shift in Maharashtra.

During his tenure from 2014 to 2019, Fadnavis focused on several key areas:

• Economic Development: He worked to attract investments to Maharashtra, positioning Mumbai and other cities as attractive destinations for business and industrial growth.
• Infrastructure: Major infrastructure projects were initiated, including metro rail networks in Mumbai and other cities.
• Agricultural Reforms: He introduced several farmer-friendly policies and worked to address rural distress.
• Smart Cities Mission: Fadnavis was instrumental in pushing Maharashtra's cities into the Smart Cities Mission, aiming to modernize urban infrastructure.

Political Challenges and Resilience

Fadnavis's political journey hasn't been without challenges. The 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections presented a complex political scenario. Despite the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance winning a majority, differences led to a dramatic political turn of events. A surprising alliance between the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress formed the government, with Uddhav Thackeray becoming the Chief Minister.

However, in a stunning political development in 2022, Fadnavis once again became the Deputy Chief Minister and later the Chief Minister, showcasing his political resilience and strategic maneuvering.

During these past  5 years, Devendra Fadnavis carefully bolstered the party's grassroots base and addressed controversial topics like cooperative societies and power hierarchies headed by NCP veterans, all while remaining under the radar under the Eknath Shinde government.

Leadership Style and Personal Attributes

What sets Devendra Fadnavis apart is his leadership style. He is known for:

• Being tech-savvy and promoting digital governance
• Maintaining a clean public image
• Effective communication skills
• Strategic political thinking
• Strong organizational abilities

Personal Life

Despite being a prominent political figure, Fadnavis maintains a relatively low-key personal life. He is married to Amruta Fadnavis, who is also active in social work and has been supportive of his political career. They have a son, and Fadnavis is known to balance his demanding political responsibilities with family life.

The Oath Taking Ceremony 2024

The Mumbai police have made special arrangements for over 40,000 people. Around 2,000 VVIPs, including political leaders and influential figures from various religious communities, will be given separate seating arrangements to ensure their comfort and security. More than 3,500 police personnel, including 520 officers, have been deployed to maintain security.

Conclusion

Devendra Fadnavis represents a new generation of Indian politicians - educated, articulate, tech-friendly, and focused on development. His political journey reflects the changing dynamics of Indian politics, where young leaders are increasingly taking center stage with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to governance.

From a young municipal corporator to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra multiple times, Fadnavis's story is one of persistence, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to public service. As Maharashtra continues to evolve, leaders like Devendra Fadnavis will play a crucial role in shaping its political and economic landscape.

References

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-oath-ceremony-live-maharashtra-cm-swearing-in-today-eknath-shinde-bjp-shiv-sena-latest-news-5-dec-2024-101733360988781.html

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/maharashtra/story/devendra-fadnavis-oath-maharashtra-chief-minister-pm-narendra-modi-attend-ceremony-mumbai-azad-maidan-eknath-shinde-ajit-pawar-2645181-2024-12-05

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maharashtra-cm-2024-devendra-fadnavis-of-bjp-named-as-new-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-mahayuti-stakes-claim/articleshow/115960894.cms?from=mdr

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/pm-modi-9-union-ministers-3-cms-to-attend-maharashtra-cm-oath-ceremony/articleshow/115986650.cms

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devendra_Fadnavis