Prachi Chadha
MUMBAI: As preparations are underway for the grand swearing-in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time, an interesting detail has emerged in the invitation that has sparked attention. The official invite for the event, set to take place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, lists Fadnavis’ full name as “Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis,” using his mother’s name, Sarita, as his middle name.
This marks a notable departure from the usual practice, where Fadnavis has typically used his father’s name, Gangadhar, in official documents. In the past, invitations to his previous oath-taking ceremonies in 2014 and 2019, as well as his affidavit filed ahead of the 2024 Assembly polls, only referenced his father’s name, “Devendra Gangadhar Fadnavis.” It is the first time in his political career that the BJP leader has used his mother’s name for an official event.
Fadnavis hails from a Brahmin family, and his father, Gangadhar Fadnavis, was a prominent leader of the Janata Party and later the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The senior Fadnavis was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and passed away when his son was still in his teens.
This decision to include his mother’s name has caught the attention of many, especially considering the emotional significance of Fadnavis’ upbringing. His mother, Sarita, has always been a strong influence in his life, and her support has been a constant presence as he has navigated his political journey. Recently, Sarita Fadnavis expressed that her son had the full backing of the party for the Chief Minister’s role, highlighting his popularity within the BJP and his close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The upcoming swearing-in ceremony will be a moment of significance not only for Fadnavis but also for the state of Maharashtra, which recently saw a significant political shift with the BJP’s victory. As the event draws near, the inclusion of Sarita Fadnavis’ name in the invite adds an intriguing layer to the narrative of this political milestone.
Pic Credit: theindianexpress.com
Shankar Pashapu
News Centre
