Inspiring Devendra Fadnavis

Devendra Fadnavis's journey to becoming Chief Minister of Maharashtra three times is a compelling story of resilience, political acumen, and leadership. Here’s a detailed account of his rise and continued influence in state politics.

Early Political Success

Devendra Fadnavis began his political career in Nagpur, first as a corporator and then as the youngest mayor of Nagpur Municipal Corporation in 1997. His clean image, problem-solving approach, and grassroots connection made him a favorite among party workers and citizens alike. His consistent work as an MLA from 1999 established him as a promising leader within the BJP.

First Term as Chief Minister (2014-2019)

Fadnavis became Maharashtra’s Chief Minister in October 2014 after BJP emerged as the largest party in the state assembly elections. Despite being relatively young and considered an underdog compared to other senior leaders, his clean record and ability to bridge differences among party factions made him the top choice.

During his tenure:

1. Development Initiatives: Projects like the Mumbai Metro, Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and water conservation programs under Jalyukt Shivar were launched.

2. Farmers’ Welfare: Fadnavis announced multiple loan waivers and schemes to support farmers during drought-like conditions.

3. Urban Governance: Initiatives like Smart Cities and digital governance were prioritized to modernize urban areas.

4. Clean Governance: His tenure was marked by transparency and minimal allegations of corruption.

Fadnavis’s first term cemented his reputation as a developmental and reform-oriented leader.

Post-2019 Assembly Elections and the 80-Hour CM Saga

In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, BJP emerged as the single largest party but fell short of a majority. The Shiv Sena, its ally for decades, broke away to form a government with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, sidelining Fadnavis.

In a dramatic turn of events in November 2019:

Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister for the second time with Ajit Pawar of the NCP as his deputy.

This government lasted for only 80 hours, as Ajit Pawar withdrew support, paving the way for the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress coalition (Maha Vikas Aghadi) to form the government.

Despite the setback, Fadnavis emerged stronger as the Leader of the Opposition, leveraging his oratory skills and strategic insight to hold the coalition accountable.

Political Comeback and Third Term as Deputy CM (2022)

Fadnavis’s persistence paid off in June 2022 when Eknath Shinde, a senior Shiv Sena leader, led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, toppling the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

Fadnavis played a key role in orchestrating this political maneuver, showcasing his tactical brilliance.

Surprisingly, he accepted the Deputy Chief Minister position under Shinde, putting party interests ahead of personal ambition and ensuring the BJP's return to power.

Third Time as CM (2024)

After the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, Fadnavis returned as Chief Minister for the third time, following a decisive BJP victory under his leadership. His comeback marked his enduring appeal and influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

During this tenure:

1. Policy Continuity: He focused on completing mega infrastructure projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg and enhancing industrial investments in Maharashtra.

2. Youth and Technology: Special emphasis was placed on skill development, employment, and leveraging technology for governance.

3. Inclusivity: Fadnavis worked to bridge regional divides and ensured inclusive development across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Western Maharashtra.

Lessons from His Journey

Devendra Fadnavis’s story is a testament to perseverance, strategic thinking, and adaptability in the face of adversity. From overcoming coalition politics to successfully regaining power, his journey reflects an unwavering commitment to public service. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining a strong developmental agenda makes him a standout leader in modern Indian politics.