The year 2019 began with a stable BJP government in the state and another BJP government at the Centre hitting the campaign trail seeking re-election. The year is now ending with a three-party government in the state led by the Shiv Sena and supported by sworn enemies in the Congress and the NCP, whose expanded cabinet took oath on Monday.

One of the BJP's most powerful chief ministers, Devendra Fadnavis, is embroiled in a controversy over some scrawls in the official chief ministerial bungalow he recently vacated. Fadnavis could rightfully feel let down and stabbed in the back.