As he took the oath on December 5, flanked by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, his journey underscores the art of political survival and resurgence.
Fadnavis’s political trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. His momentary stint as chief minister in 2019, formed in an audacious alliance with Ajit Pawar, ended within hours. That brief chapter, ridiculed as a political blunder, instead became a defining moment in his career. Standing in the face of public scrutiny and political isolation, Fadnavis famously declared that he was “like an ocean,” capable of enduring setbacks and surging back stronger.
Today, his words resonate with renewed significance. The current government represents a delicate balancing act among three distinct political factions. Fadnavis’s ability to navigate this labyrinth of alliances underscores his political dexterity. Eknath Shinde, who led the rebellion that split the Shiv Sena, now serves as his deputy—a testament to the BJP’s strategic foresight in ensuring the stability of its coalition. Ajit Pawar, the NCP’s mercurial leader, joins as the second deputy CM, symbolising the inclusion of disparate ideologies under the BJP’s umbrella of influence.
The 2019 debacle taught Fadnavis the value of patience and preparation. Over the past five years, he has worked meticulously to rebuild alliances, strengthen BJP’s organisational machinery in Maharashtra, and bide his time. His approach contrasts sharply with impulsive politicking, emphasising long-term vision over immediate gains. Despite the fact that he could have become the CM when BJP and Shinde faction of Sena came to power but the BJP denied that post and made him Deputy CM under Shinde.
As Fadnavis assumes office now, Maharashtra faces pressing challenges — an agrarian crisis, unemployment, and urban infrastructure woes. His prior tenure as CM was marked by initiatives like Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, which sought to address water scarcity, and significant strides in infrastructure development, such as the Mumbai Metro and the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg. However, critics have highlighted concerns over uneven development and rising urban-rural divides.
Devendra Fadnavis’s third term as Maharashtra’s chief minister is more than a political comeback—it is a narrative of resilience, strategic mastery, and adaptability. As he steps into this pivotal role once again, the spotlight will remain firmly on his ability to steer Maharashtra toward progress while managing a coalition fraught with competing interests. The stakes are high, but so too is the potential for Fadnavis to redefine his leadership and cement his position as one of Maharashtra’s most enduring political figures.
Early rise and political acumen
Devendra Fadnavis’s political journey is a testament to his early rise and remarkable political acumen. At just 22, he entered the political arena as a corporator in the Nagpur civic body, quickly making a name for himself with his dedication and leadership skills. By 27, he had become the youngest mayor of Nagpur, a position that showcased his potential and set the stage for his future political career.
Fadnavis’s ascent continued as he won his first assembly election in 1999, representing the Nagpur South West constituency. Over the years, he secured three more terms, solidifying his position as a key player in Maharashtra politics. His tenure as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 was marked by significant achievements, particularly in infrastructure and governance reforms. The ambitious Samruddhi Expressway project aimed to connect Mumbai and Nagpur, boosting economic development and connectivity in the state. Additionally, the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, a water conservation initiative, addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity in rural Maharashtra, benefiting farmers and rural communities.
Fadnavis’s early rise and political acumen have been instrumental in shaping his career, demonstrating his ability to lead and implement transformative projects that have had a lasting impact on Maharashtra.
Setbacks and resilience
The 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections were a pivotal moment in Devendra Fadnavis’s political career. The collapse of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance led to a brief and controversial alliance with Ajit Pawar of the NCP, which lasted only three days. This setback, however, did not deter Fadnavis. He assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition, where he continued to be a vocal critic of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his political career.
When the new government was formed due to the split in Shiv Sena, the BJP denied Fadnavis the Chief Minister’s post, instead making him the Deputy Chief Minister under Eknath Shinde. This was a significant demotion for someone who had previously held the top position. However, Fadnavis accepted the role with grace and worked relentlessly, showcasing his dedication to the party and the state. His willingness to take on the Deputy CM role without hesitation is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. It is rare for a former chief minister to accept a subordinate position so easily, but Fadnavis’s focus on the larger political picture and his commitment to Maharashtra’s development kept him steadfast. His journey from setbacks to success highlights his unwavering determination and strategic acumen in navigating the complex political landscape of Maharashtra.
Strategic alliances and political maneuvering
Devendra Fadnavis’s return to power in 2024 has also proved his strategic brilliance. The formation of the Mahayuti alliance, which included the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, was a masterstroke. This coalition secured a decisive victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, with the BJP winning 132 seats. Fadnavis’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes and forge alliances has been crucial to his success.
The Mahayuti alliance’s triumph was not just about numbers but also about the strategic placement of key players. By bringing together Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis managed to consolidate a broad spectrum of support, from urban centers to rural strongholds. This coalition, which won a total of 230 out of 288 seats, demonstrated Fadnavis’s adeptness at coalition politics. His ability to manage the delicate balance of power within this diverse alliance, ensuring that each faction felt represented and valued, was pivotal.
Fadnavis’s political maneuvering extended beyond mere alliance formation. His campaign effectively highlighted the achievements of his previous tenure, focusing on infrastructure development and economic growth, which resonated with voters. This strategic approach, combined with his ability to maintain unity within the Mahayuti alliance, underscores his political acumen and sets the stage for his third term as Chief Minister.
Future challenges and opportunities:
As Fadnavis takes office again, he faces significant challenges. Maharashtra’s fiscal health is precarious, with a massive debt burden and a growing fiscal deficit. Balancing populist schemes with fiscal prudence will be crucial. Additionally, managing the delicate coalition dynamics with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will test his political acumen. Fadnavis’s ability to navigate these challenges will define his legacy in Maharashtra’s political history.
— The author, Prof. Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh), is a political observer and columnist who teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. The views expressed are personal.
Read his previous articles here
