Fadnavis becomes Maharashtra's third longest serving CM, overtakes Sharad Pawar

Mumbai, Jul 13 (PTI) Devendra Fadnavis has become the third longest-serving Chief Minister in Maharashtra's history in terms of cumulative tenure, overtaking NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar. As of July 12, 2026, Fadnavis has completed 2,430 days as the chief minister across three terms, surpassing Pawar's cumulative tenure of 2,412 days spread over four terms, according to records of the Maharashtra legislature. Former chief minister Vasantrao Naik continues to hold the record as Maharashtra's longest-serving chief minister with 4,096 days (11 years and 78 days) in office, followed by Vilasrao Deshmukh with 2,686 days (around seven years and 129 days). Fadnavis first assumed office on October 31, 2014, and completed a full five-year term till November 2019. He returned briefly as chief minister for three days in November 2019, but was forced to resign after failing to secure a majority. He was sworn in for a third term on December 5, 2024, and has completed 585 days in the current stint as of July 12. Pawar, who served as Maharashtra chief minister on four occasions, did not complete a full five-year term in any of his tenures. With Fadnavis continuing in office, his cumulative tenure is expected to increase further, widening the gap over Pawar in the list of Maharashtra's longest-serving chief ministers. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut took a dig at Fadnavis, questioning his contribution to the state's development. He said Naik ushered in the green revolution in Maharashtra, and Vasantdada Patil worked in the area of cooperatives. Pawar contributed to women's reservation and set up MIDCs for attracting investments and industries, he added. "Can Devendra Fadnavis say anything strongly about (his work). Ladki Bahin scheme was brought to buy votes," Raut added. PTI MR PR NSK