Devendra Fadnavis Becomes Maharashtra's Third Longest-Serving Chief Minister

Devendra Fadnavis has made a significant mark in Maharashtra's political landscape by becoming the third longest-serving Chief Minister. Surpassing Sharad Pawar's tenure, Fadnavis has served approximately six years and seven months across three terms. His political journey began in 1992, and he has initiated several key projects during his time in office. This article delves into his achievements, background, and the historical context of his tenure, providing insights into his impact on Maharashtra's governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 13, 2026, 15:25 IST

Fadnavis Surpasses Sharad Pawar's Tenure

Devendra Fadnavis has made history by becoming the third longest-serving Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He has now surpassed the total tenure of Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party. By January 31, 2026, Fadnavis will have served approximately six years and seven months (2,430 days) across three terms, marking a significant achievement in his political career.

Comparison with Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar held the Chief Minister position for about six years and 221 days (2,412 days) over four separate terms, none of which lasted a full five years. In contrast, Fadnavis completed a full five-year term from 2014 to 2019, had a brief six-day second term, and is currently in his third term, which has lasted 585 days as of January 31.

Historical Context of Chief Minister Tenures

According to records, the longest-serving Chief Minister in Maharashtra's history is Vasant Rao Naik, who held the office for 11 years and 78 days (4,096 days). Following him is Vilasrao Deshmukh, who served for nearly seven years and 129 days (2,686 days). Fadnavis now ranks third, with his current term still ongoing.

Fadnavis's Background and Political Journey

Born on July 22, 1970, in a middle-class family in Nagpur, Fadnavis holds a graduate degree in law, a postgraduate degree in business management, and a diploma in project management. He began his political career in 1992 as a councilor in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation and has since been elected as a legislator five consecutive times.

Significant Projects Initiated

When Fadnavis first took office in 2014, he became the second youngest Chief Minister of Maharashtra after Sharad Pawar. In addition to his role as Chief Minister, he has overseen several key departments, including Home, General Administration, IT, Urban Development, Law and Judiciary, Ports, and Information and Public Relations. During his tenure, he has launched major projects such as Mumbai Next, the Police Digitization Project, the Samruddhi Expressway, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Agricultural Honor Scheme.

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