“Don’t settle your house on my shore after seeing my water receding, I am the ocean and will definitely come back…”
Devendra Fadnavis had said these words after the election defeat in 2019, and he also proved it. After a long ups and downs in Maharashtra politics, he took charge of the state for the third time. His name was agreed upon in the BJP legislature party meeting, and he returned to the post of Chief Minister.
Devendra Fadnavis is one of the strongest faces of BJP in Maharashtra politics. Became Chief Minister for the first time in 2014, and became the first Chief Minister since Vasantrao Naik in 1972 to complete his full term. Additionally, he became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of the state to return to power.
Who is Devendra Fadnavis?
Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis was born on 22 July 1970 in Nagpur to Gangadharrao and Sarita Fadnavis. He graduated in Law and holds a Diploma in Business Management and Project Management from the Dahlem School of Education, Germany. In 2006, he married Amrita Fadnavis and they have a daughter.
Devendra Fadnavis won the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections at the age of 22 and achieved the title of the youngest councilor. In 1997 he became the second youngest mayor of India.
Political journey started from RSS
Fadnavis’s political journey started from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In the 1990s, he joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and entered politics by winning the Municipal Corporation elections in 1992.
Was a member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2004. In 2001, he was appointed National Vice President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. Became general secretary of Maharashtra unit of BJP in 2010 and president in 2013.
Journey as Chief Minister
In 2014, Fadnavis became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the first time. At the age of 44, he became the second youngest Chief Minister of the state. After assuming the role of leader of the opposition in 2019, he returned to power. Resigned after breaking alliance with NCP leader Ajit Pawar, but formed the government with Eknath Shinde and took oath as Chief Minister again.
Important pivot in today’s times
Devendra Fadnavis is not only one of the strongest leaders of BJP, but has also become an important pivot of Maharashtra politics. Under his leadership, he has increased the stature of BJP in the state and strengthened its hold in the face of many political crises.
Devendra Fadnavis has proved that he is the “ocean” of Maharashtra politics, who returns with a new wave every time.