French Turmoil

The political chaos in France has deepened following Prime Minister Michel Barnier's resignation after a rare no-confidence vote ousted him from office.

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The return of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as his deputies, underscores the complex and often turbulent nature of coalition politics in India. While the Mahayuti alliance's overwhelming mandate demonstrates the electorate's faith in the coalition, the prolonged negotiations and last-minute agreements reveal deep fault lines, in effect suggesting a battle for spoils that could challenge its stability and governance efficacy. Coalition politics is rarely about ideological alignment; it is more about negotiating power and portfolios. Mr Shinde's initial resistance to accepting the deputy chief ministership, reportedly linked to his demand for the home portfolio, is emblematic of this power tussle. His insistence on retaining the chief minister's chair, despite the BJP's dominance in the alliance, reflects a larger struggle for visibility and relevance for his faction of the Shiv Sena. Mr Shinde's eventual agreement to step down came after intense negotiations, but his reluctance may leave lingering tensions within the alliance. The symbolism of the oath-taking ceremony at Azad Maidan, a historic ground for dissent, was striking. While the event showcased the alliance's unity and strength, the prolonged suspense leading up to it revealed the undercurrents of mistrust and negotiation. This juxtaposition highlights the delicate balancing act required to govern effectively in such a coalition. Mr Ajit Pawar's role as the second deputy chief minister further complicates the dynamics. Having split from his uncle, Sharad Pawar, to align with the Mahayuti, the younger Mr Pawar has cemented his faction's position within the ruling coalition. However, his presence underscores the fragility of opposition politics in Maharashtra, where the once-formidable Maha Vikas Aghadi has been reduced to a mere 46 seats. The opposition's