In a pressing statement made on Saturday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized the ruling parties in Maharashtra, asserting that their failure to appoint Leaders of the Opposition (LoP) in the state legislature reveals a fear of democratic scrutiny and undermines constitutional processes.
Raut expressed his concerns during a press interaction, labeling it a ‘matter of shame’ that Maharashtra currently lacks a Leader of the Opposition in either House of the legislature. “It is a democratic necessity to have a Leader of Opposition in municipal corporations, state assemblies, and Parliament. It is also a constitutional requirement,” he emphasized.
The MP alleged a systematic effort spanning over the past decade to prevent the appointment of LoPs, attributing it to electoral manipulation and political pressure exerted primarily by the ruling BJP. “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.
He reminded critics of Maharashtra’s long-standing tradition of appointing Leaders of the Opposition, even when opposing parties lacked substantial numbers. “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,” Raut remarked.
Calls from the opposition parties for the appointment of Leaders of Opposition in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature remain unaddressed. Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated Bhaskar Jadhav for the Legislative Assembly, while Congress has suggested Satej Patil for the Legislative Council.
Raut did not limit his critique to the absence of LoPs; he also took aim at Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule regarding recent comments on creating a separate Vidarbha state, which he claims has the backing of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Shiv Sena (UBT) will strongly oppose any attempt to divide Maharashtra. The state’s unity is non-negotiable,” Raut asserted.
In a broader context about democratic discourse, Raut discussed the recent debate in Parliament surrounding Vande Mataram, where Raut observed that the presence and performance of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra seemed to rattle the ruling BJP. “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.
Additionally, Raut called for a discussion regarding the Maharashtra Geet in the state legislature, highlighting its potential to ignite vital debates on the contributions of various leaders and movements to the formation of Maharashtra and Mumbai. His statements reflect a continued commitment to uphold democratic values amidst growing tensions in the political landscape.
