Fadnavis to take oath Oct 31

Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Chief Minister-elect Devendra Fadnavis at a public function here Oct 31, an official said Tuesday.

Shortly after Fadnavis was elected the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislature Party, he called on the governor at Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the next government in the state.

Rao presented a letter of appointment to Fadnavis and asked him to prove his majority in the 288-member legislative assembly within 15 days after assuming the post.

The BJP emerged as the single-largest party bagging 122 seats in the Oct 15 elections, falling far behind the requisite 145 seats for a simple majority.

Following the sudden death of G.M. Rathod, the BJP's newly-elected legislator from Mudkhed, Nanded, the party's tally came down to 121, besides one pre-poll ally.

The swearing-in ceremony shall be held at the Wankhede Stadium Oct 31 at 4.30 p.m.

The function shall be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and around 30,000 guests from all over India.

Fadnavis may be sworn-in along with a small team.

The Shiv Sena with 63 legislators has extended full support to the BJP government in the state, besides some independents and smaller parties.

The Nationalist Congress Party has announced it will abstain during the crucial vote-of-confidence, ensuring a smooth sailing for Fadnavis.