Mumbai: BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, set to assume the role of Maharashtra Chief Minister for the third time, has highlighted the challenges awaiting his new government. Addressing the state BJP legislature party after being chosen as their leader, Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized the need for hard work and collaboration with allies to meet the public’s aspirations. “Our responsibility has increased. The struggle lies in fulfilling the expectations of the people, and we must work in tandem with our allies to achieve this,” he remarked.

Fadnavis reflected on the political dynamics since 2019, mentioning the BJP’s thwarted mandate due to the Shiv Sena’s alliance with Congress and the undivided NCP. He lauded his party’s resilience during the opposition’s targeted attacks and credited their 2022 return to power as a stepping stone to the recent decisive victory in the November assembly elections. “For two and a half years, we faced challenges, but not a single MLA left us. Today, we have achieved a thumping majority,” he noted.

The Mahayuti government, comprising the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, will be sworn in on Thursday at Azad Maidan. Fadnavis acknowledged his journey from a party worker to a three-time chief minister, reiterating his faith in collective efforts and the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He concluded with, “United we are safe, and with Modi, everything is possible.”