Mumbai: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is celebrating its centenary year, finally had its way in Maharashtra. It ensured that its candidate Devendra Fadnavis was elected as the 21st chief minister of the politically second most important state next only to Uttar Pradesh.

Devendra Fadnavis' political rise was rapid. He became the youngest Mayor of Nagpur Municipal Corporation at the age of 22 in 1992.

Twelve days after the results of the Maharashtra Assembly polls were declared, the Mahayuti on Wednesday staked claim to form the next government with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis set to be sworn in as the chief minister for a third time on Thursday.

Devendra Fadnavis has been unanimously elected as the Leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislative party, paving the way for him to be sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister on December 5. His name has been finalised in BJP core committee meeting today.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis will take oath as the chief minister on Thursday, while Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will be deputy chief ministers. Only three prominent leaders will be sworn in tomorrow.

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP's Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as deputy chief ministers at the ceremony, scheduled for December 5 at the sprawling Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.

Devendra Fadnavis was finalised as the new chief minister during Wednesday's core committee meeting, as the Mahayut

The official invitation for the swearing-in ceremony, seen by The Statesman, also confirms Fadnavis's name as the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister on December 5, after he was unanimously elected as the state BJP legislature party leader.