Fadnavis returns: Five years ago, Devendra Fadnavis warned Uddhav Thackeray and other leaders in power in the Maharashtra Assembly with a prophetic tone –
“Mera paani utarta dekh, mere kinare par ghar mat basa lena. Main samandar hoon… lautkar aunga.”
(Don’t build a house on my shore after seeing my water receding. I am the ocean…I will come back.)
At that time, Uddhav had betrayed the BJP by joining hands with the Congress-NCP to become Chief Minister. This move came despite the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance securing a clear mandate in the elections. Uddhav ignored the people’s choice and aligned with parties he had campaigned against, leaving Fadnavis to endure a bitter setback. During the campaign, Fadnavis had often declared in Marathi, “Mi punha ye” (I will come again)—words that later became a point of mockery after Uddhav’s betrayal.
Despite the ridicule, Fadnavis maintained his faith in the people of Maharashtra. The 2019 assembly elections again showed public approval of his leadership, but Uddhav’s actions had temporarily denied him his rightful place. Now, after five years, Fadnavis has returned with resounding success, proving his doubters wrong. His comeback not only validates his earlier warning but also silences those who mocked his resolve, leaving his critics without a leg to stand on.
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Devendra Fadnavis: Maharashtra’s Most Trusted Political Brand
Devendra Fadnavis has cemented his place as the most trusted name in Maharashtra politics. Known for his sharp leadership and ability to keep alliances intact while running a government efficiently, Fadnavis carved a strong image during his first term as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019. This administrative acumen earned him widespread public approval, leading to the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance securing a majority again in 2019—a rare achievement in Maharashtra politics. However, Uddhav Thackeray’s political maneuvering derailed Fadnavis’s plans, forcing him into an unexpected setback.
Over the past five years, Fadnavis faced a roller-coaster political journey. Despite setbacks, including the failed attempt to form a government with rebel NCP leader Ajit Pawar in 2019, Fadnavis remained resilient. The government formed in this brief alliance collapsed within 72 hours due to Sharad Pawar’s counter-strategy, paving the way for the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP. However, Fadnavis bided his time and waited for cracks to appear within the Shiv Sena.
In 2022, Fadnavis turned the tables by capitalizing on discontent within the Shiv Sena. With 41 MLAs led by Eknath Shinde breaking away, BJP had the numbers to form the government again. Yet, in a surprising twist, the BJP decided to make Shinde the Chief Minister and Fadnavis his Deputy. Initially hesitant to accept this role, Fadnavis ultimately prioritized the party’s decision, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Maharashtra’s governance and the BJP’s long-term strategy.
Political journey of Fadnavis
- 1997-99 Mayor of Nagpur
- 1999-2009 MLA
- 2014-19 Chief Minister of Maharashtra
- 2019-2019 Chief Minister of Maharashtra
- 2019-2022 Leader of the Opposition
- 2022-2024 Deputy Chief Minister
- 2024* Chief Minister of Maharashtra
The Architect Behind BJP’s Resurgence in Maharashtra
Eknath Shinde may have held the Chief Minister’s chair, but it was Devendra Fadnavis who played a pivotal role in managing and strengthening the Mahayuti government. His strategic leadership was evident when Ajit Pawar rebelled against Sharad Pawar, splitting the NCP and joining the Mahayuti alliance. Fadnavis skillfully worked with the two rebel leaders to stabilize the coalition and effectively run the government. However, the alliance faced a major setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning only 17 out of 48 seats, which raised concerns about its future.
Despite the challenges, Fadnavis showcased his political acumen by turning the tide within just six months. He not only stabilized the Mahayuti but also played a critical role in leading BJP to its most significant victory in Maharashtra’s political history. In the 2024 assembly elections, BJP secured 132 seats—just 13 short of the majority—marking a historic achievement. This resounding success not only elevated Fadnavis’s stature within the party but also solidified his position as a key architect of BJP’s dominance in the state.
BJP under the leadership of Fadnavis
Assembly Elections-2024 132 seats
Assembly Elections-2014 122 seats
Assembly Elections-2019 105 seats
The Master Strategist Behind BJP’s Success in Maharashtra
The decision to contest the 2014 assembly elections separately from Shiv Sena was spearheaded by BJP’s state president Devendra Fadnavis, and it paid off significantly. Under his leadership, BJP secured a historic 122 seats, forcing Shiv Sena to join the coalition government, which paved the way for Fadnavis to become Maharashtra’s first BJP Chief Minister. In the 2019 elections, BJP allied with Shiv Sena, securing 105 seats. Fadnavis also dealt a decisive blow to the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the 2022 Rajya Sabha elections, where BJP’s third candidate emerged victorious over Maha Vikas Aghadi’s fourth. Similarly, in the 2022 Legislative Council elections, Fadnavis ensured the success of his chosen candidate, further demonstrating his political acumen.
From Youngest Councillor to Maharashtra’s Record-Setting CM
Devendra Fadnavis’s political journey began with his election as a councillor in Nagpur at just 22 years old, marking the start of a career marked by consistent success. Excluding the setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his career graph has been on a steady rise. Fadnavis is only the second Chief Minister in Maharashtra’s history to complete a full five-year term, matching the record of Vasantrao Naik from 1967-72 during his tenure from 2014-19. Now, as Fadnavis assumes the Chief Ministerial role for the third time, he stands poised to set many new records and further solidify his legacy in Maharashtra politics.
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