Maharashtra Oppn walkouts over delay in LoP appointment

Mumbai: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday staged a walkout from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly over the delay in appointment of Leader of the Opposition.

The boycott happened on a day when Justice Bhushan Gavai, the Chief Justice of India was felicitated in the Maharashtra legislature. 

The late R S Gavai, former Governor of Kerala and the father of present Chief Justice of India was once the Chairman of this Legislative Council.

After the walkout, the opposition members of Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) protested on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan complex.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhakar Jadhav raised the issue in the Lower House. “Despite several representations, the position is vacant,” he said.

“Keeping the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly vacant is not in line with the traditions and practices of the legislature,” Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said.

Wadettiwar, who is a former Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, said that it is improper to keep the position vacant. 

NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil also supported the demand, 

However, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar said he would make a decision soon.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier said that the issue is between the opposition members and Speaker and the government is in no way connected to this issue.