Fadnavis’ Return Signals Strategic Bureaucratic Shifts Across Key State Departments

With Devendra Fadnavis expected to take over as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, subtle yet significant shifts are anticipated within the state bureaucracy. Key officials are likely to be retained, while strategic appointments could reshape the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and other departments.

• Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik: Saunik, who faced uncertainty during Eknath Shinde’s tenure, is expected to continue in her role. Fadnavis has previously supported her against proposals to replace her with Additional Chief Secretary (Home) I.S. Chahal.
• Shrikar Pardeshi in the CMO: IAS officer Shrikar Pardeshi, currently serving as secretary in the CMO, is likely to remain. However, Fadnavis may appoint an Additional Chief Secretary-ranked officer to lead the CMO secretariat.
• Fadnavis’ Core Team: Fadnavis is expected to reintroduce his trusted team specializing in industries, public relations, and research, who worked with him during his earlier tenure as CM and in subsequent roles.
• MMRDA Leadership: Bhushan Gagrani, appointed municipal commissioner earlier this year, is likely to be retained. However, changes could occur at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), where Fadnavis may bring Ashwini Bhide to replace current chief Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee.
• Law Enforcement Adjustments: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief, Sadanand Date, might be called back to Maharashtra to succeed Rashmi Shukla as Director-General of Police. Additionally, with Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar set to retire in April 2025, Special Commissioner Deven Bharati is a strong contender to take his place.
• MSRDC Leadership: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), currently led by retired technocrat Anil Gaikwad on contract, may see an IAS officer take charge, aligning with recent directives from the Department of Personnel and Training.
• Advisory Roles in CMO: Retired IAS officer Praveen Pardeshi, now CEO of MITRA (the state planning body) and honorary president of the Bombay Natural History Society, could join the CMO as an advisor. Pardeshi previously opted for voluntary retirement after missing out on the Chief Secretary role during Uddhav Thackeray’s tenure.

As Fadnavis prepares to potentially assume leadership, these adjustments signal a strategic alignment of key bureaucratic roles with his governance vision.