Devendra Fadnavis Set To Take Oath At Azad Maidan, Vows To Fulfill Promises Made To Maharashtra

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is all set to take charge as Maharashtra Chief Minister for a third term after a consensus was reached at a crucial BJP meeting on Wednesday, ending days of suspense after the Mahayuti alliance stormed back to power in India's financial capital. Fadnavis, flanked by Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, reached Raj Bhawan and staked a claim to form a government in Maharashtra after meeting Governor CP Radhakrishnan. Shinde will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister along with Ajit Pawar. Addressing a press conference after meeting the Governor, Fadnavis thanked Eknath Shinde for extending his support for the government formation. "I am thankful to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for extending Shiv Sena's support through a formal letter, enabling my swearing-in as Chief Minister," Fadnavis said. "Ajit Pawar has also offered his backing with a letter of support". Clarifying the leadership structure, Fadnavis said that the designation of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister is merely a technical arrangement. "All decisions will be made collectively to ensure good governance for Maharashtra," he stated. Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar will take oath on Thursday at 5 pm at the iconic Azad Maidan in Mumbai, said BJP Maharashtra president Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony.