A Fascinating Political Journey: Devendra Fadnavis Returns as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister
Mumbai, December 5, 2024 – Devendra Fadnavis, a seasoned leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has added yet another chapter to his illustrious political career by taking oath as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time. From being an active Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) member to holding Maharashtra’s top political positions, Fadnavis’s journey is a testament to his leadership and vision.
Early Political Career: From Nagpur to State Leadership
Devendra Fadnavis’s political career began in Nagpur, where he won his first election to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation from the Ram Nagar ward. In 1997, he became the youngest mayor in Nagpur’s history at just 27 and the second youngest mayor in India. His rise in Maharashtra politics continued as he was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the West Nagpur constituency in 1999. Since then, he has consistently represented Nagpur in the assembly, winning four consecutive terms from the South-West constituency.
First Term as Chief Minister: A Historic Moment
In 2014, Fadnavis made history by becoming the first BJP Chief Minister of Maharashtra. At the age of 44, he became the youngest CM of the state since Sharad Pawar. His tenure was marked by significant policy initiatives and stability, as he successfully completed a five-year term—an achievement shared by only one other leader in Maharashtra’s history, Vasantrao Naik.
The Dramatic 2019 Tenure
In November 2019, Fadnavis once again took oath as CM during a dramatic political episode. He formed a government with NCP leader Ajit Pawar, but it lasted only three and a half days, making it the shortest tenure of any Maharashtra CM. Despite this setback, Fadnavis remained a key figure in the state’s politics, later serving as the Leader of Opposition and Deputy Chief Minister.
Highly Educated Leader
Fadnavis’s academic credentials complement his political acumen. He attended Indira Convent and Saraswati Vidyalaya in Nagpur for his schooling. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Government Law College, Nagpur, a Master’s in Business Management, and a diploma in Project Management from DCE, Berlin.
Positions Held by Devendra Fadnavis
- Chief Minister – Three terms, with significant contributions to governance.
- Leader of Opposition – Advocated for public interest during his tenure.
- Deputy Chief Minister – Played a pivotal role in policy implementation.
- Mayor of Nagpur – Marked his early success in politics.
- Councilor – Launched his political career at the grassroots level.
Key Roles in Party Organization
- BJP Ward President.
- BJP Office Bearer for Nagpur (West).
- BJP Nagpur City President.
- BJP Maharashtra State President.
Legacy of Leadership
Fadnavis’s career is a rare combination of grassroots connection and state-level influence. As Chief Minister for the third time, his focus will likely remain on Maharashtra’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
