A close look on what transpired for the last three days in Maharashtra plainly shows it is unprecedented. But the question that lingers is whether the chacha-bhatija duo tricked the biggest political party of the nation in what can be called a political masterstroke? A chronology of events shows that with Ajit Pawar forming a coalition with the BJP to form a government in Maharashtra hurried them for an early morning oath ceremony showing letters of support, which is alleged to be details of the MLAs meant for internal use. Following his move, action sprung in two directions. Sharad Pawar, along with Shiv Sena and Congress moved the Supreme Court for a quick floor test, alleging it to be unconstitutional. And Ajit made use of the BJP to take his name out of nine irrigation scam cases by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Maharashtra. As soon as the orders of the ACB on November 25 closing the cases against Ajit Pawar for want of evidence was closed, we saw an unprecedented show of strength by the NCP-Congress and Sena alliance, showing a number of 168 pressurising the Fadnavis government to show the claimed number. The melodrama continued as the Supreme Court ordered a floor test within 24 hours with a show of hands and not a secret ballot. With the show of strength exercise just one day before, it became near to impossible for the newly formed government to have the support of the numbers they have been claiming. Then came in the very much anticipated resignation of the newly sworn-in Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, returning to the NCP. This left the BJP government tied at all ends with no more option to explore. It seems as if they were tricked into forwarding Ajit Pawar, political favour which can now not be taken back by the ACB.
Who lost what in the political melodrama?
In a full picture view, the NCP is now set to form the government in Maharashtra in coalition with Congress and Shiv Sena. On the other hand, Ajit Pawar has been cleared in nine ongoing corruption cases. What the BJP is left with is nothing but a nation-wide insult for staging a political drama and undermining the constitutional norms. Now, Ajit Pawar returns to the NCP, not with very clean hands. With MLAs disappearing to being found again, Sharad Pawar is now an acclaimed political mastermind for the country.
Further, the situation is a setback to Operation Kamal, leaving them behind with a reputation of forming a government based on false numbers. So, was this a political suicide by Ajit Pawar who switched sides overnight or a political masterstroke for the BJP, tasting defeat is not the most favourable manner. The wins and the losses are clear, if there is nothing more to add, BJP is left with massive political embarrassment to cover up for. Can the corruption washing machine BJP take back the clean chit from Ajit Pawar to make yet another political smack below the belt?