Maharashtra floor test tomorrow: BJP's game over, claims 'Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress' alliance

In the latest of Maharashtra government formation fiasco, the Supreme Court has ordered the floor test tomorrow (Wednesday) before 5 pm. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has formed government in Maharashtra with the help of NCP leader Ajit Pawar, will need to prove majority on the floor of the house and the proceedings will be telecast live. There will be no secret ballot, the apex court has ruled.

Need to protect from unlawful activities: SC

The apex court ruled that this case raises many constitutional issues but those issues will be discussed later. "The need of the hour is that it's imperative to stop the possibilities of unlawful activities like horse-trading and protect the constitution," the court ruled, say media reports.

According to media reports, the court was of the opinion that giving more time for floor test would give opportunities for horse-trading and illegal practices as there has been no government in the state for more than one month now.

Swearing in tomorrow

The apex court also directed Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to ensure that all elected members of the house are sworn in on Wednesday itself. The entire exercise has to be completed by 5 pm.

A bench comprising Justices N V Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna also said the entire proceeding has to be telecast live. Voting in the assembly shall not be on the basis of the secret ballot, it said.

Appoint pro-tem speaker: SC

The governor will also appoint a pro-tem speaker who will administer the oath to the newly elected members.

Devendra Fadnavis should resign: Congress

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan claimed that Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena leaders are satisfied with the Supreme Court order. "In the wake of the SC judgment, Devendra Fadnavis should resign today," he said.

Reacting to the developments, NCP leader Nawab Malik said: "Today's verdict of the SC is a milestone in Indian democracy. Before 5 pm tomorrow, it will be clear that BJP's game is over. In a few days, there will a govt of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress in Maharashtra".

Also Read: Maharashtra Crisis: Supreme Court orders open ballot floor test tomorrow