Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Rajya Sabha MP, vehemently criticized Maharashtra’s ruling parties for not appointing Leaders of the Opposition (LoP), arguing that this absence undermines democracy and the constitutional framework. During a press conference on Saturday in Mumbai, Raut asserted that the lack of LoPs in both Houses of the state legislature is a troubling sign of the government’s fear towards democratic scrutiny.
According to Raut, the appointment of a LoP is not just a formal necessity but a crucial democratic requirement across municipal corporations, state assemblies, and Parliament. “It is a disgrace that we currently have no Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra’s legislature,” Raut stated. This failure indicates the ruling parties’ apprehension about parliamentary discourse and their unwillingness to engage in constructive criticism.
Raut urged that over the past decade, there has been a systematic effort to thwart the appointment of LoPs through electoral manipulation and undue political pressure. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to weaken and insult this significant parliamentary position. “Conducting legislative business without a LoP demonstrates that the ruling parties fear facing opposition,” he added.
He highlighted Maharashtra’s long-standing tradition of appointing Leaders of the Opposition, even when the opposition parties held minimal strength. “Historically, the BJP was granted the LoP position despite lacking sufficient numbers in Parliament. This fundamental tradition is now being intentionally dismantled,” Raut argued.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), along with other opposition parties, has expressed demands for the appointment of LoPs in the Maharashtra legislature. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated Bhaskar Jadhav for the Legislative Assembly, while the Congress party has put forward Satej Patil for the Legislative Council, intensifying the call for accountability and representation.
Staunch Opposition to Division of Maharashtra
In a separate issue, Raut also condemned Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, over recent comments concerning the potential creation of a separate Vidarbha state. Raut accused Bawankule of acting under the influence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding this divisive proposal.
“The Shiv Sena (UBT) will fiercely oppose any attempt to divide Maharashtra. The unity of our state is paramount and non-negotiable,” he affirmed, emphasizing the party’s commitment to maintaining Maharashtra’s integrity.
Debate Shows the Vitality of Democracy
Reflecting on a recent debate in Parliament concerning the Vande Mataram, Raut claimed that the presence of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made the ruling BJP uncomfortable. “Their participation energized the debate and underlined that democracy is not dead in our country,” Raut noted.
He urged for a comprehensive discussion on the Maharashtra Geet in the legislature, suggesting that it could lead to enlightening discussions about the various efforts and movements that contributed to the formation of Maharashtra and its capital, Mumbai. Such debates, he argued, are essential to understanding the state’s democratic fabric.
