Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 6 (HBTV): Devendra Fadnavis assumed office as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the third time after taking the oath of office on Thursday evening. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was present during the occasion.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) posted on social media:‘Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took charge of the ministry today evening after the swearing-in ceremony. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was present on this occasion.’

Shortly after assuming office, Fadnavis approved monetary assistance of INR 5 lakh for a bone marrow transplant patient from Pune, Chandrakant Shankar Kurhade. The aid was sanctioned under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Fadnavis also directed the administration to expedite work processes, emphasizing the need for sustainable development and swift resolution of public issues.

The CMO noted on its X handle:‘Before the first cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister signed the file of Chief Minister's Assistance Fund, approving INR 5 lakh for medical assistance to Chandrakant Shankar Kurhade.’

Earlier in the day, Fadnavis paid tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar on the occasion of the 69th Mahaparinirvan Diwas, stating:‘Our country is progressing rapidly, thanks to the most beautiful thing we have—the Constitution of India. Babasaheb's deep study of all subjects is reflected in the Constitution. We can never repay Babasaheb. Whatever we do, we will do according to the Constitution.’

Fadnavis returned as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, leading the Mahayuti (grand alliance) government. The oath-taking ceremony, held at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, was attended by prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.

Several state leaders, including Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, were also present at the ceremony.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena (57) and the NCP (41). This victory underscores a significant milestone for the alliance, strengthening its position in the state.   

(ANI)