The Maharashtra Budget Session will commence on 23 February. For the first time in the state’s history, there will be no Leader of the Opposition in either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council.
Due to the current political arithmetic, the opposition has been unable to secure the required numerical strength to claim the post in both Houses, leaving the position vacant as the session begins.
Debate has intensified in political circles over the development. The opposition has described the situation as detrimental to democratic balance, while the government has termed it a matter related to House procedure.
Under the rules governing the Legislative Assembly and the 78-member Legislative Council, the opposition must have the prescribed strength to secure recognition of the Leader of the Opposition. The opposition failed to reach the required figure. Its position in the Council weakened further following the resignation of Congress MLC Pragya Satav in December last year.
Owing to the shortfall in numbers, the opposition was unable to formally stake a claim for the post in either House.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi termed the development contrary to democratic norms, stating that the presence of a Leader of the Opposition is necessary to maintain institutional checks and balances in the face of a government with a large majority.
Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut described the situation as a blot on democracy and alleged that the government was attempting to weaken the constitutional role of the opposition to avoid accountability.
Shiv Sena UBT MLA Bhaskar Jadhav also criticised the ruling alliance, stating that not appointing a Leader of the Opposition in both Houses amounted to deliberately weakening democratic processes.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition is the prerogative of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Chairman of the Legislative Council. He stated that it is a procedural matter of the House and that the government cannot comment directly on it. The government said that decisions would be taken in accordance with constitutional provisions as the situation evolves.
Political analysts said the situation is unusual, and for the first time in the state’s history the post of Leader of the Opposition is vacant simultaneously in both Houses.
The Budget Session will see the state government present its annual budget. Financial plans, development projects and welfare schemes will be discussed. Proceedings of the House are expected to draw attention in the absence of a formally recognised opposition leader.
The opposition is expected to raise issues concerning farmers, unemployment, inflation and infrastructure during the session.
At the start of the session, a condolence motion will be moved on the demise of Ajit Pawar, and tributes will be paid. The House may observe a two-minute silence in his memory. Rohit Pawar and some other legislators have expressed doubts regarding the aircraft accident linked to Ajit Pawar and are preparing to raise the matter in the House.
