Govt’s upper hand with numbers, Oppn down but not out

 

 

 

The Winter Session of Maharashtra State Legislature is set to begin from December 8 even as the Second Capital warms up for some political action. Despite being outnumbered, the Opposition is gearing up to corner the Mahayuti Government on various fronts. Down but not out seems to be the mantra of the Opposition this time. On the other hand, the Devendra Fadnavis-led State Government, which completed one year on Friday, is sitting comfortable due to overwhelming majority. The Opposition has decided to seize the opportunity presented by way of the Winter Session to reinvent itself by attacking the Government on every possible issue, starting from fiscal mismanagement to problems in Ladki Bahin Yojana. It would also bring up allegations against political bigwigs and the strained relations between the three ruling alliance partners.

 

The Opposition is likely to question the Government’s financial management, citing State’s problems and alleged misuse of funds. Issues with implementation of Ladki Bahin Yojana, ncluding e-KYC glitches, may be highlighted. The Opposition may raise concerns over malnutrition-related deaths and Government’s response to the issue. The Opposition is also likely to criticise Government’s handling of the OBC-Maratha reservation issue and object to the short duration of the session (one week) this time. It may question the allocation of funds to members and Government spending on freebies. The Opposition will try to use every possible weapon permissible under rule and probably try to hog the limelight, if not inside the House, then outside. Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti Government is comfortable with its overwhelming majority and is expected to have a smooth session.

 

It would defend its policies and actions, citing its one year as example of successful governance. Vijay Wadettiwar and MPCC President Harshvardhan Sapkal have already started attacking the Government and the voices may soon grow stronger. Meanwhile, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) joining hands with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the Congress party has distanced itself from it. This led to complete disarray in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. There is still no consensus on naming of the Leader of Opposition in both the Houses. In fact, this is for the first time that both the Houses will run sans a Leader of Opposition. For now, the MVA will perhaps try to do what Bharatiya Janata Party used to do when it was in the opposition, make itself heard and then , also create some noise.