Ahead of the crucial winter session of the Maharashtra legislature, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp attack on the opposition, accusing it of being more concerned with securing the Leader of Opposition (LoP) posts than addressing the state's pressing problems.
Opposition Accused of Neglecting Public Issues
The leaders made these remarks on Sunday, a day before the session commenced in Nagpur. They expressed concern that the session risked being derailed by procedural confrontations instead of focusing on meaningful debates concerning farmers' distress, financial pressures, regional development, and infrastructural issues.
Speaking after the customary pre-session tea party, which was boycotted by opposition parties, Fadnavis stated that the government was prepared for a demanding week. He claimed the opposition's primary interest lay in the LoP appointments rather than in critical matters like irrigation, health, or unemployment. He reiterated that the appointment of the LoP in both legislative houses was "the prerogative of the council chairman and assembly speaker" and that the government had no role in the process.
Shinde Links LoP Fixation to Poll Defeat
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed the criticism, arguing that the opposition's fixation on the LoP post stemmed directly from its poor performance in the 2024 assembly elections. "They failed to gather the required number of legislators in both houses, as people rejected them," he said.
Shinde further claimed that the recent local body elections highlighted internal weaknesses within the opposition ranks. He suggested that opposition leaders should be thankful to the courts for a stay on the results of municipal and nagar panchayat polls, which he said saved them from embarrassment. Confident of the ruling alliance's prospects, Shinde predicted a sweeping victory for the Mahayuti, claiming they would secure over 70% of the total seats in these elections.
Government Outlines Session Agenda and Defends Record
Both leaders accused the opposition of substituting governance with political spectacle. Shinde recalled that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government relied on "daily performances on stairs" during sessions, staging protests merely for visibility. Fadnavis interpreted the tea party boycott as a sign of "disinterest in constructive engagement."
Fadnavis highlighted Nagpur's record for strong legislative productivity, noting that business hours are often doubled, with work extending to a minimum of 10 hours daily. He confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had returned from Bahrain and landed in Pune on Sunday.
The Chief Minister outlined the government's plans for the week-long session, which is shortened due to the model code of conduct for local body polls. He announced that 18 bills would be introduced and that discussions on the development of Vidarbha and Marathwada regions would be prioritised.
On the sensitive issue of farm loan waivers, Fadnavis said the government had taken a firm decision to proceed, but clarified that the waiver would be given only to eligible farmers. Addressing other key issues, he stated that departments were instructed to strengthen measures to prevent human-wildlife conflict and improve compensation. Regarding the Pune land case involving Parth Pawar, he assured a transparent inquiry where "nobody would be protected."
Fadnavis also rejected allegations of the state nearing financial collapse, admitting to constraints but asserting there were sufficient funds to implement all announced schemes. On political strategy, he said alliance partners unanimously decided to allow party workers to contest local body polls wherever appropriate, forging alliances only where possible.
Concluding his remarks, Fadnavis accused the opposition of undermining constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, RBI, and CAG. He also clarified that the Shakti Bill passed under the MVA was returned by the Centre over constitutional concerns, while the current government's Lokpal bill was approved with only a minor amendment.
