There’s little surprise that Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s delay in inviting Vijay, as the leader of the single largest party, to form the government is facing criticism. However, such criticism shouldn’t be facile. Let us examine the logic behind his position. A long thread. 1/n There’s no doubt that in the absence of a pre-poll alliance with the requisite majority, the Governor has to invite the single largest party. However, this convention need not be used to install a government in haste. 2/n

#Governors The Supreme Court’s opinion may seem to be a balancing act, but it severely undermines federalism. Mainly by holding that the Governor’s actions under Article 200 is based on discretion, not on aid and advice and are not subject to judicial review. This is contrary to the express understanding during the Constituent Assembly debates that the Governor has no discretion in this matter. Even the 'return' option was meant to enable Cabinet to recall hasty legislation.

Disappointing 3-2 verdict from SC upholding EWS. It inverts the entire logic of reservation being a remedy for group disability by birth and allows individual financial status, inherently transient, to be given an exclusionary dubious share of 10% in which SC/ST/OBCs can't enter. Justice Ravindra Bhat, with CJI Lalit concurring, rules that the exclusionary clause renders the 103rd amendment a violation of the equality code, and therefore, the basic structure of the Constitution.