Mumbai: The suspense over Maharashtra ’s next Chief Minister ended today as BJP announced Devendra Fadnavis as the state’s 31st CM. Soon after the announcement, the invitation card for the oath-taking ceremony has also been released, officially confirming Fadnavis’s position.  

The BJP leader will take the oath tomorrow at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Earlier in the day, Fadnavis was unanimously elected as the BJP legislature party leader during a meeting in Mumbai, paving the way for his appointment.  

Fadnavis, who has served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, returns to the role amidst a crucial political phase for the state. Known for his administrative skills, he has been instrumental in steering the BJP through recent political turbulence, including his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP- Eknath Shinde alliance government.  

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant on Wednesday said only the chief minister and two deputy chief ministers will take oath during the swearing-in ceremony to be held on December 5 at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

The decision on the modalities of the cabinet and portfolios will be taken later, he said.

Samant said it is the desire of Shiv Sena workers, MLAs and MPs that caretaker Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde should be the deputy chief minister, giving an indication that the latter may not be eager to take up the post.