Deputy CM Ajit Pawar (L) and CM Devendra Fadnavis | Photo Credit: ANI

Mumbai: In a surprising turn of events, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy CM of the state.

After the oath-taking ceremony, Devendra Fadnavis said, "I would like to thank our leader PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah ji and party's working president JP Nadda for choosing me as their candidate to head the Maharashtra government once again. The people of the state had given a clear mandate to the BJP but Shiv Sena disrespected that mandate and did dirty politics."

"Because of Shiv Sena's antics, President's rule was imposed in the state and Maharashtra did not deserve the President's rule. We needed a stable government, not a 'khichdi' government," added Fadnavis.

#WATCH Mumbai: NCP's Ajit Pawar takes oath as Deputy CM, oath administered by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/TThGy9Guyr — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

The Maharashtra CM expressed gratitude to the NCP and Ajit Pawar for coming together with the BJP and helping them form the government in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis explained that when NCP joined hands with the BJP, the two parties informed the Governor, who in turn had a word with President Ram Nath Kovind and then it was decided to take back the President's rule.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar lambasted the political situation in Maharashtra of late and iterated that the NCP decided to join hands with the BJP to resolve problems people are facing, including farmer issues.

"From result day to this day no party was able to form the government, Maharashtra was facing many problems including farmer issues, so we decided to form a stable government," said the NCP leader. He went on to add that he has the blessings of his uncle and NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

Even the sources claim that Sharad Pawar was part of the discussions for Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government formation; he had given his assent to Ajit Pawar.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended wishes to the two leaders. He took to his official Twitter handle saying, "Congratulations to Devendra Fadnavis ji and Ajit Pawar ji on taking oath as the CM and Deputy CM of Maharashtra respectively. I am confident they will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to his Twitter congratulating Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar on becoming CM and Deputy CM respectively.

BJP working president JP Nadda said, "I Congratulate Devendra Fadnavis Ji and Ajit Pawar Ji on taking oath as the CM and Deputy CM of Maharashtra respectively. I am sure that under the guidance of Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji, BJP-NCP Gov will take Maharashtra to newer heights."

Political pundits suggest that the NCP's decision to join hands with the BJP may have been decided during Thursday's crunch talks between NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. The NCP is yet to announce whether it has parted ways with its long-time ally Congress or not.