Rift in Maha Vikas Aghadi Over Leader of Opposition

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faces internal disputes over the Leader of Opposition post in Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP are vying for the position.
All MVA allies fell short of the 29-seat requirement in the November polls.
The Speaker will make the final decision regarding the demand.
Congress leaders Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar are frontrunners for the post.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Disputes Within the MVA

Post a dismal performance in the November Maharashtra Assembly polls, internal disputes have emerged within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) over the Leader of Opposition post. The coalition, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP, collectively secured only 46 seats in the 288-seat Assembly. However, legislative rules mandate a minimum of 29 seats to claim the post.

Who are the Contenders?

Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, Congress secured 16, and NCP bagged 10 in the recent elections. Prominent Congress leaders Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar are considered strong contenders. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) has elected Bhaskar Jadhav as the Leader of House and Sunil Prabhu as the Chief Whip.

Speaker’s Authority

The decision regarding the Leader of Opposition and Deputy Speaker posts lies with the Assembly Speaker. MVA has placed its demands but remains ineligible under the legislative norms. Congress has maintained its claim to the position, with ongoing discussions among the allies.

Future Course of Action

Congress Maharashtra chief Nana Patole stated that the party would consult its MVA partners before finalizing its candidate. Meanwhile, the Mahayuti alliance, led by BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, dominated the polls, winning 230 seats.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Internal rift in MVA over the Leader of Opposition post.
• Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP are competing for the position.
• None of the allies meet the 29-seat eligibility criteria.
• The Speaker holds the final authority on the matter.
• Congress leaders Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar are top contenders.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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