Devendra Fadnavis is an Indian politician and the current Chief Minister of Maharashtra. A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he first became Maharashtra chief minister in 2014 and returned to the post in December 2024 after serving as deputy chief minister from 2022 to 2024. He is also the elected MLA from Nagpur South West.
Fadnavis has spent most of his political career in Maharashtra, beginning with municipal politics in Nagpur before moving into the state legislature. His career has included periods as mayor of Nagpur, MLA, opposition leader, chief minister and deputy chief minister.
As of October 2026, Fadnavis remains Maharashtra’s chief minister and is dealing with several major state issues, including employment examinations, agriculture, drought conditions and infrastructure development. Recent developments have included government responses to protests over Maharashtra Public Service Commission examinations and efforts to address the state’s worsening water situation.
What Is Devendra Fadnavis’s Real Name?
His full name is Devendra Gangadhar Fadnavis. He is commonly known as Devendra Fadnavis in public life.
The Maharashtra government’s official records use the longer form Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis in ministerial listings, while legislative records identify him as Devendra Gangadhar Fadnavis.
How Old Is Devendra Fadnavis?
Devendra Fadnavis was born on July 22, 1970, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
He is 56 years old as of October 2026.
His birthplace, date of birth and educational background are also listed in his official biography.
Where Is Devendra Fadnavis From?
Fadnavis was born and raised in Nagpur, one of Maharashtra’s major cities.
Nagpur has remained central to his political career. He entered public life through the Nagpur Municipal Corporation and represented the city for years before moving into statewide politics.
His early political work in Nagpur gave him experience in municipal administration before he became one of the BJP’s most prominent leaders in Maharashtra.
Devendra Fadnavis’s Early Life and Family Background
Fadnavis was born into a family with a connection to public life. His father, Gangadhar Rao Fadnavis, was a politician and served as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
His mother, Sarita Fadnavis, was associated with the Vidarbha Housing Credit Society.
Growing up in Nagpur, Fadnavis became interested in politics while still young. His entry into organised political activity eventually led him toward the BJP and its youth organisation.
Rather than entering state politics immediately, he first built his experience at the local level.
Where Did Devendra Fadnavis Study?
Fadnavis studied in Nagpur and later pursued higher education in several fields.
He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Nagpur University in 1992. He also completed postgraduate studies in business management and obtained a diploma in project management methods and techniques from DSE Berlin in Germany.
His combination of legal and management education later became part of his public profile, particularly as his political career moved toward administration and government policy.
How Did Devendra Fadnavis Start His Political Career?
Fadnavis entered electoral politics through the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
He became a municipal councillor in 1992, beginning a political career that would eventually take him to the Maharashtra state legislature. He served as a councillor for two terms and became mayor of Nagpur between 1997 and 2001.
His rise at the municipal level was relatively rapid. By the late 1990s, he had already moved into an important leadership role in Nagpur civic politics.
His work in the BJP also expanded during this period. He held positions within the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha before moving into senior organisational responsibilities in the Maharashtra BJP.
When Did Devendra Fadnavis Become an MLA?
Fadnavis was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1999.
He has represented the Nagpur South West constituency, including through subsequent assembly elections. PRS Legislative Research records his current term as beginning on November 23, 2024.
His continued presence in the state legislature provided the foundation for his eventual move into the state’s top political office.
Devendra Fadnavis as Nagpur Mayor
Before becoming chief minister, Fadnavis served as mayor of Nagpur from 1997 to 2001.
His mayoral period was significant because it gave him direct experience with urban administration, municipal infrastructure and local government.
He was relatively young when he became mayor, and his performance in Nagpur helped increase his visibility within the BJP in Maharashtra.
The transition from municipal politics to state politics became an important part of his political career.
How Did Devendra Fadnavis Become Maharashtra Chief Minister?
Fadnavis became Maharashtra chief minister for the first time in October 2014.
The BJP had emerged as the largest party in the Maharashtra Assembly following the 2014 election, and Fadnavis was chosen to lead the government.
At the time, he became one of the younger chief ministers in Maharashtra’s history. His first term lasted from 2014 to 2019.
During this period, his government was associated with several major infrastructure and administrative initiatives, including the Samruddhi Mahamarg, police digitisation efforts and agricultural schemes.
Devendra Fadnavis’s 2019 Political Crisis
The 2019 Maharashtra Assembly election produced a complicated political situation.
The BJP and Shiv Sena had contested the election as allies, but disagreements over the formation of the government followed the result. The Shiv Sena subsequently joined hands with the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
During the political uncertainty, Fadnavis briefly returned as chief minister in November 2019. His government lasted only a short time before Uddhav Thackeray took office as chief minister.
Fadnavis subsequently became the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, a position he held from 2019 to 2022.
Devendra Fadnavis as Deputy Chief Minister
In June 2022, Fadnavis returned to the Maharashtra government as deputy chief minister after Eknath Shinde became chief minister.
The change followed the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government and the formation of a new BJP-Shiv Sena administration.
Fadnavis remained deputy chief minister until December 2024, when the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance returned to power after the Maharashtra Assembly election.
When Did Devendra Fadnavis Become Chief Minister Again?
Fadnavis returned as Maharashtra chief minister in December 2024.
He took the oath at Azad Maidan in Mumbai after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a majority in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar became deputy chief ministers.
The BJP won 132 seats in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election, while its Mahayuti allies, Shiv Sena and NCP, won 57 and 41 seats respectively.
This marked Fadnavis’s return to the chief minister’s office after a five-year gap.
Devendra Fadnavis’s Political Career and Major Milestones
Fadnavis’s career has moved through several distinct stages:
- 1992: Elected councillor in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation
- 1997: Became mayor of Nagpur
- 1999: Elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
- 2014: Became chief minister of Maharashtra for the first time
- 2019: Returned briefly as chief minister before becoming opposition leader
- 2022: Became deputy chief minister
- 2024: Returned as Maharashtra chief minister
- 2024 onward: Continued as MLA from Nagpur South West and chief minister of Maharashtra
This progression from municipal councillor to chief minister is one of the defining features of his political biography.
Devendra Fadnavis’s Work as Maharashtra Chief Minister
Fadnavis’s governments have been associated with infrastructure, agriculture, urban development, digital administration and investment-related initiatives.
During his first tenure, one of the major projects associated with his administration was the Samruddhi Mahamarg, a major expressway project linking Mumbai and Nagpur.
His government also pursued police digitisation and agricultural support initiatives. The official biography lists the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krishi Sanman Scheme among the initiatives associated with his first tenure.
During his second full tenure as chief minister, agriculture has again been a major policy area.
In June 2026, the Maharashtra cabinet approved a ₹36,585 crore farm loan waiver scheme, covering eligible farmers with crop-loan arrears of up to ₹2 lakh, along with an incentive for regular borrowers.
In July 2026, Fadnavis also announced a loan waiver benefit of up to ₹2 lakh under the Mahatma Phule Shetkari Loan Waiver Scheme.
Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra’s Drought Situation
Agriculture and water management have become particularly important in 2026.
In September and October, drought and crop-loss concerns were reported in parts of Maharashtra. Fadnavis has visited affected areas and sought assistance from the central government.
On October 7, 2026, reports said Fadnavis met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the state’s drought situation and requested special financial assistance. A central assessment team was also expected to visit Maharashtra.
The issue remains one of the significant challenges facing his administration as Maharashtra moves through the latter part of 2026.
Devendra Fadnavis and MPSC Controversy
Another major issue currently involving the Fadnavis government is the controversy surrounding the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, or MPSC.
In October 2026, students and MPSC aspirants protested over alleged irregularities involving recruitment examinations. A delegation of students met Fadnavis and sought action against senior officials.
The government subsequently transferred MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar. Fadnavis said the state government could not simply remove the MPSC chairman because the position is constitutional and governed by a different appointment and removal process.
Fadnavis also said the government planned a large recruitment drive over the following three years and indicated that MPSC examinations would be conducted offline.
The issue remained active in October 2026, with student protests continuing over recruitment examinations and demands for greater transparency.
Devendra Fadnavis’s Awards and Recognition
Fadnavis has received several awards during his political career.
His official biography lists the Best Parliamentarian Award from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in 2002-03, along with other recognitions including the Business Reformer of the Year award and the Nag Bhushan Award.
He has also received international recognition, including the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship and an honorary doctorate from Osaka City University.
These honours have largely recognised his work in politics, public administration and policy.
Devendra Fadnavis’s Books
Fadnavis has also written books on public policy and Maharashtra’s development.
His listed publications include:
- Arthasankalp Sopaya Bhashet (2020)
- Atmanirbhar Maharashtra – Atmanirbhar Bharat (2020)
- Bharatiya Samvidhan – Gauravshali Amrutmahotsavi WatChal (2025)
The subjects reflect his interest in government budgets, economic development and constitutional affairs.
Devendra Fadnavis’s Wife and Family
Devendra Fadnavis is married to Amruta Fadnavis, a former banker, singer and public figure.
The couple have one daughter, Divija Fadnavis.
Amruta Fadnavis has maintained a public career of her own through music, social initiatives and public appearances. As with many political families, however, much of the family’s private life remains separate from Fadnavis’s official political work.
What Is Devendra Fadnavis Doing Now?
As of October 2026, Fadnavis is serving his second full term as Maharashtra chief minister.
His administration is currently dealing with several major issues, including agricultural distress, drought conditions, government recruitment examinations, urban development and infrastructure.
Recent government activity has included responses to the MPSC protests, discussions about recruitment vacancies and efforts to address drought-related concerns.
Fadnavis has also remained involved in large urban-development initiatives. In October 2026, he was involved in the launch of a Dharavi experience centre near Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex, connected with the proposed redevelopment of the Dharavi area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Devendra Fadnavis
What is Devendra Fadnavis’s real name?
His name is Devendra Gangadhar Fadnavis. Official Maharashtra government records also use the longer form Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis.
How old is Devendra Fadnavis?
Devendra Fadnavis was born on July 22, 1970, making him 56 years old in October 2026.
Where was Devendra Fadnavis born?
He was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
What did Devendra Fadnavis study?
He studied law and earned an LLB from Nagpur University in 1992. He also completed postgraduate studies in business management and a diploma in project management from DSE Berlin.
When did Devendra Fadnavis first become Maharashtra Chief Minister?
He first became Maharashtra chief minister in 2014 and served until 2019.
How many times has Devendra Fadnavis been Maharashtra Chief Minister?
Fadnavis has held the chief minister’s office on three occasions: his full term beginning in 2014, a brief return in November 2019, and his current term beginning in December 2024.
Is Devendra Fadnavis married?
Yes. He is married to Amruta Fadnavis.
Does Devendra Fadnavis have children?
Yes. Devendra and Amruta Fadnavis have a daughter named Divija.
Which constituency does Devendra Fadnavis represent?
Fadnavis represents Nagpur South West in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
What political party does Devendra Fadnavis belong to?
He is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
What is Devendra Fadnavis doing in 2026?
He is serving as Maharashtra chief minister. In October 2026, his government has been dealing with issues including MPSC recruitment protests and drought-related concerns, alongside its wider administrative and infrastructure agenda.
Devendra Fadnavis’s Political Journey in Perspective
Devendra Fadnavis’s political career has developed over more than three decades, beginning with municipal politics in Nagpur and eventually reaching the highest elected office in Maharashtra.
His path has included local government, the state legislature, opposition politics, the deputy chief minister’s office and multiple periods as chief minister. That career has also placed him at the centre of some of Maharashtra’s major political changes, particularly the shifts in alliances and governments that followed the 2019 Assembly election.
In 2026, Fadnavis remains an active figure in Maharashtra politics. His current administration faces practical questions around agriculture, water, employment examinations, infrastructure and urban development. The outcome of those policy challenges will form an important part of the next chapter of his political career.