Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday raised critical concerns about the governance in Maharashtra, asserting that the ruling parties’ failure to appoint a Leader of the Opposition (LoP) undermines democracy and constitutional norms.
Raut emphasized that the absence of an LoP in both legislative Houses is a serious democratic flaw. He commented, “It is a democratic necessity to have a Leader of Opposition in municipal corporations, state assemblies, and Parliament. It is also a constitutional requirement.” His criticism highlights a significant issue in the functioning of the Maharashtra legislature.
The veteran politician accused the BJP of deliberately obstructing the appointment of Leaders of Opposition through electoral manipulation and undue political influence over the last decade. “The BJP has consistently tried to weaken and insult the institution of the Leader of Opposition. Legislative business is being conducted without an LoP, which clearly shows the ruling parties are afraid of the post,” he stated.
Raut recalled Maharashtra’s historical adherence to democratic principles, stating, “Maharashtra has a long democratic tradition of appointing Leaders of the Opposition even when opposition parties had smaller numerical strength. Even when the BJP did not have sufficient numbers in Parliament, it was still granted the LoP position. This tradition is now being deliberately dismantled.”
Amidst rising tensions, opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, have called for immediate appointments of LoPs in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature. Shiv Sena (UBT) has proposed Bhaskar Jadhav for the Legislative Assembly and the Congress has nominated Satej Patil for the Legislative Council.
Opposition to Any Division of Maharashtra
In addition to his remarks about opposition leadership, Raut criticized Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who suggested the possibility of creating a separate Vidarbha state. Raut accused Bawankule of having the tacit approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
“Shiv Sena (UBT) will strongly oppose any attempt to divide Maharashtra. The state’s unity is non-negotiable,” Raut firmly asserted, reinforcing the party’s commitment to maintaining Maharashtra’s territorial integrity.
Parliament Debate Shows Democracy Alive
Turning his attention to recent events in Parliament, Raut remarked on the debate regarding Vande Mataram, stating that the ruling BJP appeared visibly unsettled by the strong presence and performance of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
“There was visible enthusiasm in the debate because of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. It reinforced the belief that democracy is alive. The debate exposed the BJP and its affiliated organisations,” he claimed, highlighting the ongoing tensions between opposition and ruling parties.
Raut also expressed the necessity of discussing the Maharashtra Geet in the state legislature, calling it a crucial topic that can lead to a broader understanding of the contributions from various leaders and movements to the formation of Maharashtra and Mumbai.
