In a political theatre brimming with spectacle, sarcasm, and subtle snubs, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly kicked off its three-day special session with a mix of seriousness, humour, and cringe-worthy Sanskrit pronunciations. The newly elected 288 MLAs took their oaths in Mumbai, but not before a healthy dose of political gossip and high drama took centre stage.
The star-studded entrances of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, were nothing short of a Bollywood red carpet moment. Fadnavis, ever the seasoned politician, greeted everyone with his signature grin, while Ajit Pawar played the role of the jovial crowd-pleaser, decked out in his now-famous pink jacket—a sartorial statement that is fast becoming a meme-worthy symbol of optimism. But amidst the smiles, Eknath Shinde cut a visibly uncomfortable figure. Once the Chief Minister, Shinde now had to settle for the Deputy CM role, a demotion he reportedly accepted only after exhausting every possible tantrum in the book. BJP’s cold shoulder left him with no choice, reminding him—and the rest of us—that in politics, beggars indeed can’t be choosers.
Meanwhile, Kalidas Kolambkar, the senior-most legislator, took charge as the pro-tem speaker with a gravitas that briefly overshadowed the lighter moments. A nine-time MLA and a seasoned BJP leader, Kolambkar oversaw the oath-taking ceremony, which saw a mix of hilarious mispronunciations and moments of nationalist zeal. Several MLAs chose to take their oaths in Sanskrit to emphasise their “nationalist beliefs.” Unfortunately, their mangled pronunciations turned the sacred language into an unintentional comedy routine, leaving the assembly amused and bemused.
Ajit Pawar, in stark contrast, was the life of the Assembly. Greeting everyone with his infectious humour and larger-than-life charisma, he reminded the house why he’s often called a man of action—and endless energy. His commitment to the alliance with the BJP was unwavering, and his pink jacket and broad smile seemed to encapsulate the “no hard feelings” vibe he carried.
However, the elephant in the room was the absence of the opposition MVA alliance, which boycotted the session in dramatic fashion. Alleging EVM tampering and accusing the government of “murdering democracy,” Aaditya Thackeray and other opposition leaders decried the election results as fraudulent. According to them, the massive mandate for the ruling Mahayuti alliance was a result of “EVM manipulation” rather than the people’s will. Their fiery speeches outside the assembly added fuel to an already charged atmosphere, with Congress leader Amit Deshmukh echoing the call for a review of election processes.
Amidst the pomp and drama, the question of cabinet portfolios loomed large. BJP, being the biggest player, is expected to bag 21-22 ministerial berths, while Shiv Sena might settle for 11-12 and NCP for 9-10. Shinde’s wish for the Home portfolio—a position of power previously held by Fadnavis—remains uncertain. With the BJP holding the reins tightly, Shinde might have to contend with a less glamorous ministry, further adding to his woes.
The pink jackets weren’t the only colourful highlight of the day. NCP MLAs sported pink phetas in solidarity with Pawar, adding a touch of coordinated flair to the proceedings. Meanwhile, the oath-taking ceremony also saw moments of cultural diversity. Some MLAs invoked Allah, others stumbled over Sanskrit, and the rest went the straightforward route, keeping the assembly entertained through it all.
As the first day wrapped up, the political stage was set for the next act. The trust vote for the Fadnavis-led government and the speaker’s election are just around the corner. Meanwhile, the winter session in Nagpur and the impending cabinet expansion promise more drama, negotiations, and surprises.
In the end, the special assembly session was less about governance and more about political theatre—a heady mix of humour, sarcasm, and intrigue. For now, Maharashtra waits to see whether Shinde will get his coveted home portfolio and whether the opposition can convert its fiery rhetoric into effective action. Until then, the assembly floor remains the hottest stage in town.
