Maharashtra Swearing-In Ceremony Set for Grand Event at Azad Maidan

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers are set to take the oath of office today at 5:30 p.m. in a grand swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan, South Mumbai. The event will take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and 19 Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states.

Devendra Fadnavis, unanimously chosen as the BJP legislature party leader, will assume the role of Chief Minister for the third time. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, with Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan administering the oath. Cabinet expansion is expected next week after the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP finalize their ministerial portfolios, following a three-day Assembly session from December 7 to 9.

Shinde agreed to join the Mahayuti government after deliberations, while Ajit Pawar reaffirmed his support for Fadnavis, marking his record-breaking sixth term as Deputy CM.

Azad Maidan has been extensively prepared for the event, expected to host over 40,000 attendees, including Ladki Bahins, farmers, cooperative society representatives, industrialists, saints, influencers, and Bollywood personalities. Security is tight, with over 5,000 police personnel, drones, and rapid action forces ensuring a safe event.

The swearing-in will be broadcast live on LED screens across Maharashtra. Performances by Marathi and Hindi singers will precede the ceremony, where BJP workers will don T-shirts with the slogan "Ek Hai To Safe Hai," showcasing the coalition's unity.