Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis, a prominent Indian politician of Maharashtra. With a distinguished career spanning various leadership roles, Fadnavis has been a key figure in shaping the state’s development and governance. From serving as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to his current role as the Deputy Chief Minister, his journey has been marked by dedication, vision, and transformative initiatives.
Early Life and Education
Born on 22nd July 1970 in Nagpur to Gangadhar Fadnavis and Sarita Fadnavis, Devendra Fadnavis hails from a Marathi Hindu family with a strong political background. His father, Gangadhar Fadnavis, was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Nagpur, while his mother, Sarita Fadnavis, was associated with the Vidarbha Housing Credit Society.
Devendra Fadnavis received his early education at Indira Convent but later shifted to Saraswati Vidyalaya School in Nagpur due to political reasons. He completed his higher secondary education at Dharampeth Junior College. Fadnavis holds a graduate degree in law from Government Law College, Nagpur University, along with a post-graduate degree in Business Management and a diploma in Methods, Berlin.
Political Career
Fadnavis’s political journey began during his college days when he actively participated in the activities of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), an affiliate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His political acumen and dedication were evident as he became a corporator at the young age of 22 in 1992. At 27, he created history by becoming the youngest mayor of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
Representing Nagpur in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly since 1999, Fadnavis has consistently worked towards the welfare of his constituents. He has been associated with the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) throughout his political career, demonstrating his commitment to the party’s ideology.
CM of Maharashtra (2014 – 2019) – 1st Term
On 31st October 2014, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Maharashtra, following his appointment as the leader of the legislative party by the BJP MLAs. Under his leadership, the state witnessed several flagship projects and initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and development.
Mumbai Next
One of the significant projects launched by Fadnavis was ‘Mumbai Next,’ a roadmap to transform Mumbai into a global financial and entertainment hub. The initiative garnered attention from prominent business leaders, showcasing the government’s commitment to promoting economic progress.
Police Digitization Project
Fadnavis took a step towards modernizing the state’s police force with the inauguration of the Maharashtra Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). The digitization initiative aimed to make police stations paperless and enhance the efficiency of law enforcement.
Digital Initiatives
Several digital initiatives were launched during Fadnavis’s tenure, coinciding with India’s 70th Independence Day. These initiatives aimed to leverage technology for better governance and public service.
Samruddhi Expressway
Under his leadership, the Maharashtra Government proposed the Samruddhi Expressway, a mega infrastructure project aimed at boosting economic development in rural areas. The expressway would significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur and facilitate overall economic growth.
CM of Maharashtra (2019 – 2019) – 2nd Term
In November 2019, Fadnavis formed a government with the support of Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, this government’s tenure lasted only a few days, and Fadnavis resigned from the post of Chief Minister.
Deputy CM of Maharashtra (2022 – Present) – 1st Term
Following the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on 30th June 2022. In this role, he serves alongside Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, contributing to the state’s governance and development.
Conclusion
Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis’s political journey has been marked by significant achievements and transformative initiatives. From becoming the youngest mayor in India’s history to serving as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, his dedication to public service and vision for development have earned him widespread respect. As the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Fadnavis continues to play a crucial role in shaping the state’s future and working towards the betterment of its citizens.
