Days after Eknath Shinde assumed the role of new chief minister and the BJP regained control, the Maharashtra assembly is scheduled to elect the speaker on Sunday. The MLAs who backed Shinde's coup against his predecessor, Uddhav Thackeray, returned to Mumbai from Goa on Saturday night, as the state braced for another round of tumultuous political developments. Following the election of the speaker, the Shinde government is set to face the floor test. The process of distributing portfolios will also be closely scrutinised, with the BJP certain to retain key ministries. A two-day special session of the state legislature begins on Sunday, with members electing the next speaker after the Maha Vikas Aghadi administration falls within 31 months.
