Devendra Fadnavis is poised to begin his third term as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, with an oath-taking ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. This follows a period of suspense over the leadership of the newly-formed BJP-led Mahayuti government, which secured a sweeping victory in the recent state elections.

Today, the BJP core committee officially finalized Fadnavis as its choice for Chief Minister, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding the post. His selection was ratified by the newly elected legislators, who gave their approval to Fadnavis' leadership. Shortly after, he is expected to meet with Governor CP Radhakrishnan to formally stake his claim to form the government.

The oath ceremony, which will take place at Azad Maidan, marks the culmination of a political battle that began after the Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, won 230 out of 288 seats in the state Assembly. Although the Shiv Sena's leaders initially insisted that Eknath Shinde, who led the alliance into the election, should remain the Chief Minister, the BJP made it clear that it would claim the top post, having won 132 out of the 148 seats it contested.

Despite some public posturing by Shiv Sena leaders, including Shinde's statement that he would not stand in the way of the BJP's decision, the power dynamics between the parties shifted in the BJP's favor. The NCP is also reported to have pledged support to the BJP, further solidifying its position.

This development marks a crucial moment in Maharashtra politics, as Fadnavis' leadership promises to guide the state government through its next term.