Maharashtra, a significant state in the western part of India, has played a pivotal role in the political landscape of the country since its formation in 1960. The state`s history is intertwined with the socio-political fabric of India, making the role of Chief Minister a position of great importance. The creation of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960, marked a significant chapter in Indian history. Formed by reorganizing the bilingual Bombay State, Maharashtra emerged as a Marathi-speaking state, distinct from Gujarat. The state has since grown to become an economic and cultural powerhouse, contributing significantly to the nation`s development.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra is elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly, the lower house of the state legislature. The leader of the political party or coalition with a majority in the assembly is invited by the Governor to form the government. The Chief Minister is appointed on the basis of their ability to command the confidence of the legislative members, ensuring stability and effective governance.
Power and Responsibilities:
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra holds a crucial position, vested with executive powers to govern the state. They head the Council of Ministers, comprising ministers responsible for various departments. The Chief Minister is tasked with policy formulation, administration, and the overall development of the state. The responsibilities encompass a wide array of issues, including economic development, infrastructure, law and order, and social welfare.
List of Chief Ministers of Maharashtra Since 1947:
The list below provides the names and tenure of all Chief Ministers of Maharashtra in chronological order. The data also and the political party they represented.
Chief Ministers | Tenure | Political Party |
Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher | 1947 – 1952 (Bombay State) | Indian National Congress |
Morarji Desai | 1952- 1956 (Bombay State) | Indian National Congress |
Yashwantrao Chavan | 1956- 1960 (Bombay State) | Indian National Congress |
Yashwantrao Chavan | 1960 - 1962 | Indian National Congress |
Marotrao Kannamwar | 1962 - 1963 | Indian National Congress |
P. K. Sawant | 1963 - 1963 | Indian National Congress |
Vasantrao Naik | 1963- 1975 | Indian National Congress |
Shankarrao Chavan | 1975- 1977 | Indian National Congress |
Vasantdada Patil | 1977- 1978 | Indian National Congress |
Sharad Pawar | 1978 - 1980 | Indian National Congress |
A. R. Antulay | 1980 - 1982 | Indian National Congress |
Babasaheb Bhosale | 1982 - 1983 | Indian National Congress |
Vasantdada Patil | 1983 - 1985 | Indian National Congress |
Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar | 1985 - 1986 | Indian National Congress |
Shankarrao Chavan | 1986 - 1988 | Indian National Congress |
Sharad Pawar | 1988 - 1991 | Indian National Congress |
Sudhakarrao Naik | 1991 - 1993 | Indian National Congress |
Sharad Pawar | 1993 - 1995 | Indian National Congress |
Manohar Joshi | 1995 - 1999 | Shiv Sena |
Narayan Rane | 1999 - 1999 | Shiv Sena |
Vilasrao Deshmukh | 1999 - 2003 | Indian National Congress |
Sushil Kumar Shinde | 2003 - 2004 | Indian National Congress |
Vilasrao Deshmukh | 2004 - 2008 | Indian National Congress |
Ashok Chavan | 2008 - 2010 | Indian National Congress |
Prithviraj Chavan | 2010 - 2014 | Indian National Congress |
Devendra Fadnavis | 2014 - 2019 | Bharatiya Janata Party |
Uddhav Thackeray | 2019 - 2022 | Shiv Sena |
Eknath Shinde | 2022- present (Incumbent) | Shiv Sena |