In a move to counter widespread flight disruptions, the Maharashtra government has stepped in to arrange special railway services for legislators and officials returning from the upcoming winter session in Nagpur. The decision comes after numerous elected representatives faced significant difficulties in securing air travel to the second capital.
Special Trains to Ease Travel Woes
Ram Shinde, the Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, announced on Sunday that special trains will be operated from Nagpur to Mumbai on December 14 and 15. This initiative is specifically designed to facilitate the return journey of MLAs, ministers, government officers, and support staff after the conclusion of the legislative business. The winter session itself is scheduled to be held in Nagpur from December 8 to 14.
Shinde revealed that the state government made a formal request to the Railways, which was promptly accepted. To ensure smooth coordination, a nodal officer has been appointed. This officer will be the single point of contact for all legislators, managing communication and logistics for a seamless travel experience. The administration has also been directed to actively monitor and address any travel-related concerns that arise during the session.
Session Priorities and Opposition Boycott
Amidst the travel arrangements, political undercurrents were also visible. Opposition parties chose to boycott the Chief Minister's customary tea party on the eve of the session. This protest was staged over the vacant posts of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in both legislative houses. When questioned about the LoP appointments, Shinde stated that a proposal had been received and a decision would follow after further deliberation.
Shinde and Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe also firmly dismissed rumors suggesting the winter session might be relocated from Nagpur due to ongoing expansion work at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. They confirmed the city would continue to host the session as planned.
Focus on Vidarbha and Qualitative Debates
Outlining the agenda, Shinde emphasized that matters concerning the Vidarbha region will receive top priority during the legislative proceedings, including the crucial Question Hour. He acknowledged concerns about the session's relatively short duration of eight days, explaining that the period was reduced by consensus due to local self-government elections.
In response, Shinde, as the presiding officer, pledged to strive for meaningful and qualitative debates on regional issues. He stressed that the focus would be on the qualitative growth of discussions rather than a quantitative increase in the number of questions. Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe echoed this sentiment, affirming that Vidarbha's welfare and the implementation of regional policies would remain central to all discussions.
Following a review meeting, Shinde and Gorhe conducted a thorough inspection of both legislative houses and related facilities to ensure everything is operationally ready. To maintain order and prevent disruptions, entry into the premises without authorized passes will be strictly restricted, and vehicle movement at the gates will be tightly regulated.
