Shiv Sena Advocates for Opposition Leadership Amid Maharashtra Assembly Stalemate

Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav stressed the importance of appointing a leader of opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra assembly, citing it as a joint duty between the state government and the speaker. Jadhav and his party, led by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, maintain they are well-versed with the procedural norms.

The Sena (UBT) has put forward Jadhav's name for the cabinet-level LoP post, pointing out that similar positions were previously given to parties with less than 10 percent seat victories. Presently, the combined opposition in the 288-member assembly accounts for about 50 seats, with Sena (UBT) holding 20.

Jadhav claims there is no legal barrier to appointing the leader of opposition, and the government's delay raises questions about its intent. He asserts that the party has fulfilled all necessary formalities, and further stalling undermines the opposition's constitutional role in the assembly.

(With inputs from agencies.)