Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday criticized Maharashtra’s ruling parties for their failure to appoint Leaders of the Opposition (LoP) in the state legislature. He stated that this absence reflects an alarming fear of democratic scrutiny and undermines the region’s constitutional integrity.
Addressing reporters, Raut remarked, “It is a matter of shame that Maharashtra currently has no Leader of the Opposition in either House of the legislature.” He emphasized, “It is a democratic necessity to have a Leader of Opposition in municipal corporations, state assemblies, and Parliament. It is also a constitutional requirement.”
Raut accused the ruling parties of deliberately preventing the appointment of LoPs through electoral manipulation and political pressure over the past decade. “The BJP has consistently tried to weaken and insult the institution of the Leader of Opposition. Conducting legislative business without an LoP clearly shows that the ruling parties fear this post,” he added.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader pointed out that Maharashtra has a long-standing democratic tradition of appointing Leaders of the Opposition, even when the opposition parties had less numerical strength. He noted, “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.”
Calls have intensified among opposition members for the appointment of Leaders of Opposition in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has proposed Bhaskar Jadhav for the Legislative Assembly, while the Congress has nominated Satej Patil for the Legislative Council.
Opposition to Any Division of Maharashtra
Raut further criticized Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule over his recent remarks regarding the potential creation of a separate Vidarbha state, claiming the proposal has 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 asserted.
Parliament Debate Shows Democracy Alive
Commenting on the recent Vande Mataram debate in Parliament, Raut observed that the ruling BJP appeared unsettled by the presence and engagement of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
“There was visible enthusiasm in the debate due to Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. It reinforced the belief that democracy is alive. The debate exposed the BJP and its affiliated organizations,” he claimed.
Additionally, Raut demanded a discussion on the Maharashtra Geet in the state legislature, stating that it would ignite an essential debate on the contributions of various leaders and movements to the formation of Maharashtra and Mumbai.