Maharashtra political drama: The story so far

This is how the political drama unfolded in Maharashtra since the declaration of results on October 24.

In the assembly elections held in October, the BJP and the Shiv Sena contested the polls together and won 105 and 56 seats respectively. However, the allies fell apart over power-sharing and rotating CM's post. Uddhav Thackeray wanted the chief minister's post on a rotational basis, but the BJP rejected his claim saying no such agreement was finalised before the elections and made it clear that Fadnavis would be the chief minister for full five years.
Uddhav Thackeray walked out of the NDA and reached out to the NCP which had won 54 seats and the Congress with 44 seats for forming a Shiv Sena government in the state.

Live updates: Maharashtra govt formation

President's Rule was imposed in the state as no party came forward to form the government even as negotiations between the Congress, NCP and the Shiv Sena progressed.
Hours after the Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP announced the formation of their alliance, governor Bahgat Singh Koshyari in a surprise early-morning development invited Devendra Fadnavis to form the government along with Ajit Pawar, who is the nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar and was then the leader of the NCP legislature party. Fadnavis was sworn in as the CM and Ajit Pawar as deputy CM. PM Modi was among the first to congratulate the Maharashtra CM.

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The governor's decision was based on the letters of support provided by Ajit Pawar to the BJP. Fingers were pointed at Sharad Pawar for playing a double game. However, the NCP chief was quick to distance himself from his nephew's moves and made a categorical declaration of staying with the Shiv Sena and the Congress.
Sharad Pawar managed to wean away most of the NCP MLAs who had sided with Ajit. With firm backing of NCP, the alliance MLAs were kept in hotels to avoid poaching attempts. Meanwhile, the NCP continued to woo back Ajit Pawar, who got isolated within the party.
The alliance then approached the Supreme Court against the governor. Two days later, the top court ordered immediate floor test. It also said the voting on the floor would be through an open ballot and would be telecast live.
After the SC verdict, Ajit Pawar, who was constantly being wooed by the NCP, decided to quit as deputy CM and return to the NCP fold. Hours later, Fadnavis also announced his resignation as the chief minister, paving the way for formation of the alliance government.

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Top Comment

1852 days ago

The biggest blunder BJP made is to accept Ajit Pawar''s support and his letter on its face value. Never expected from any matured politicians. Some one from center should have guided DF not to accept the same and not to make any attempt to form Government as it will give wrong message to society. To believe in support by Ajit Pawar is as good as to remove all the troops from border just because Pakistan issues letter of peace. This action has given additional stability to existing Government and loosing the faith on BJP. There are many mistakes made by BJP. BJP should not have taken any person from other parties which triggered the then silent NCP then. ED notice to NCP chief was untimely and could have been prevented till election results. It was just counter productive move. Lion howsoever old does not eat grass. The speech of NCP chief in rain was at peak and affected voters to great extent. SS was as such working like opposition from last 5 years but still BJP went for alliance during LS and Assembly elections. This would have bagged more seats for BJP at both levels and ease in forming Government. Ajit Pawar''s support could have been used even at later stage instead of forming government in hurry and leading to SC order. It is surprising that when ordinary people can easily read the wind of such matters how come all stalwarts of BJP failed. Opportunity lost is opportunity cost. Now BJP should leave Mahaaghadi on its own fate and should not create hurdles to further loose opinion in public. Most of the voters only see what they get rather than what arrangements you are doing permanently for them. Person starving for food needs food and does not value if you offer him good kitchen, water and gas so that one can cook independently since these are 2nd level facilities and not primary facility. TDS lost in Andhra earlier because their Government only concentrated on IT and other infrastructure but neglected farmers when they face sever drought for multiple years. Its is a god learning lesson and hope everyone will work in the proper way for the people. God bless everyone.

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