Devendra Fadnavis, a prominent political leader and the current Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is widely admired for his dedicated service to the people of the state. Known for his leadership skills, pragmatic approach, and commitment to governance, Fadnavis has earned respect not only within his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but also across political lines.
This article delves into the early life, family, education, career milestones, and financial profile of Devendra Fadnavis, one of the most influential figures in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Early Life and Family Background
Born into a Marathi Brahmin Hindu family in Nagpur, Devendra Fadnavis is the son of Gangadhar Fadnavis and Sarita Fadnavis. His father, Gangadhar, was a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political scene, serving as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. His mother, Sarita, hailed from the Kaloti family of Amravati and was involved in the Vidarbha Housing Credit Society as a director.
Fadnavis’s childhood was marked by political activism. His father’s imprisonment during the Emergency, a period of national political unrest, left a lasting impression on him. During the Emergency, when his father was jailed for protesting the government, Fadnavis transferred to Saraswati Vidyalaya School in Nagpur, after refusing to continue his schooling at Indira Convent, which he felt was named after the Prime Minister who had imprisoned his father.
Education and Academic Background
Devendra Fadnavis’s educational journey reflects a diverse academic pursuit. He completed his early education at Saraswati Vidyalaya and later went on to study at Dharampeth Junior College in Nagpur. Fadnavis is a law graduate from Government Law College, Nagpur University.
His intellectual curiosity didn’t stop there—he pursued a postgraduate degree in Business Management, followed by a diploma in Project Management from the DSE-German Foundation for International Development in Berlin. These educational credentials have equipped him with the necessary skills to handle complex governance issues, especially those related to fiscal management and project execution.
Political Career and Rise to Prominence
Devendra Fadnavis’s political journey began at a young age. He was actively involved in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he channeled his energy towards social reforms and youth mobilization. His early political engagements saw him involved in painting walls and pasting political posters, which marked his initial foray into grassroots politics.
Fadnavis’s rise in politics was swift. At just 22, he became the youngest Mayor of Nagpur Municipal Corporation in 1992, a feat that made him a household name in Maharashtra politics. His leadership qualities were evident as he successfully served two consecutive terms as Mayor, and he was the only person re-elected as “Mayor in Council.”
His career trajectory in the BJP saw him steadily rise through the ranks. In 2013, Fadnavis was appointed as the president of the BJP in Maharashtra, a position that strengthened his political influence. By 2014, he had become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, marking the beginning of his term as the 18th Chief Minister. His tenure as CM was notable for various infrastructural and developmental initiatives, including the implementation of schemes aimed at improving rural Maharashtra.
Fadnavis’s political savvy was further demonstrated when, in 2022, he was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister in the coalition government led by Eknath Shinde. His ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Maharashtra, balancing alliances and opposing forces, has cemented his reputation as a pragmatic and visionary leader.
Personal Life and Family
Devendra Fadnavis is married to Amruta Fadnavis, a banker and social activist. She has been an influential figure in her own right, engaging in various philanthropic endeavours, especially in the field of women’s empowerment and social justice. Amruta Fadnavis, with her significant presence on social media and in public life, has been a strong pillar of support for her husband’s political career. Devendra Fadnavis has a daughter – Divija Fadnavis.
The Fadnavis couple’s net worth and financial transparency have always attracted attention, especially during election campaigns. As of the latest available affidavit, Devendra Fadnavis declared a net worth of approximately Rs 5.2 crore. This includes movable assets worth Rs 56 lakh and immovable assets, including agricultural land and residential properties, valued at Rs 4.6 crore. His wife, Amruta Fadnavis, has a net worth of around Rs 7.9 crore, with movable assets of Rs 6.9 crore and immovable assets of Rs 95 lakh.
Together, their combined net worth stands at approximately Rs 13 crore. Despite their significant assets, Fadnavis is known for his relatively modest lifestyle—remarkably, neither he nor his wife owns a car, as disclosed in their affidavits.
Financial Profile and Assets
In addition to their property holdings, Devendra Fadnavis and his wife have significant investments in financial instruments. Fadnavis, for instance, has an annual income of Rs 38.7 lakh as of 2023-24. He holds assets such as a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account worth Rs 1.7 lakh and has an insurance policy valued at Rs 3 lakh. He also owns gold ornaments worth Rs 32 lakh. Despite his position, he has remained transparent about his finances and his financial standing is not extravagant compared to many other public figures.
Fadnavis’s Houses
Devendra Fadnavis owns residential properties on two plots in Nagpur. The combined value of these properties is estimated at Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 47 lakh, respectively. This reflects his roots in Nagpur, where he continues to maintain strong personal and political connections. His wife, Amruta, also owns shares and mutual funds worth Rs 5.6 crore, further enhancing the Fadnavis family’s financial portfolio.
Legacy and Impact
Devendra Fadnavis has been an influential leader in Maharashtra’s politics, recognized for his strong leadership, astute governance, and ability to unite diverse political factions. Under his leadership, the BJP achieved significant electoral victories, and his role in shaping the state’s policies, especially those related to infrastructure, governance, and rural development, continues to be remembered.
As Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Fadnavis continues to play a pivotal role in the state’s governance. With a focus on development, transparency, and social welfare, he is seen as a leader with the potential to shape Maharashtra’s future for years to come.
Devendra Fadnavis’s rise from a young political activist to the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is a testament to his hard work, political acumen, and commitment to public service. His life story—marked by a strong educational background, early exposure to politics, and an unyielding desire to serve the people—continues to inspire many in the state and beyond. Whether through his work in governance or his personal integrity, Fadnavis remains a key figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape.