On November 23, the political drama in the Indian state of Maharashtra reached a climax, with a stunning overnight twist in the government formation. Where the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance was set to form a government, suddenly, the focus shifted to the BJP, as Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the Chief Minister early on Saturday along with NCP leader Ajit Pawar as Deputy CM.
The issue went viral on Twitter in India, with people analysing what it means for the world's largest democracy.
Here are some of the reactions:
Many questioned what emergency it was that prompted revocation of presidents rule at 5.45am without a cabinet meeting and swearing in early in the morning.
Others questioned what Dev Fadnavis had achieved so far in his post...
It remains unclear precisely how many Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) lawmakers are with Ajit Pawar in his decision to join hands with the BJP. Tweeps discussed how the BJP was poaching MLAs of other parties. Even with some MLAs loyal to Ajit Pawar, they are falling short of a simple majority.
Court hearing and floor test
India's Supreme Court on Sunday held an urgent hearing of a petition filed by the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine, seeking quashing of the Maharashtra Governor's decision to swear in Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister. The Supreme Court also rejected Centre's plea to grant them three days to respond on Floor Test. The apex court, instead, ordered Centre to produce the letter of the Governor inviting them to form a government, and letters of support for Devendra Fadnavis by Monday morning. The court will pronounce the final order tomorrow at 10.30am.
