“I feel if the 16 MLAs are disqualified, then the Shinde government will definitely fall. There is a possibility that the remaining MLAs with the Shinde group might join Uddhav Thackeray.

There is also a possibility that since BJP is the largest party in numbers the Governor may approach them and if they have numbers then they could form government,” opined Maharashtra NCP President Jayant Patil on Tuesday.

Somewhat shaky grounds if the Assembly Speaker rules in favour of disqualifying 16 MLAs. The Supreme Court had left decision up to the to the official, prompting growing calls for action from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MLAs.

The list of MLAs up for a potential disqualification incidentally include Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and three members of his Cabinet.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar insisted that it would have no bearing on the state government.