Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 7: Congress has reiterated its firm stance on the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. The party plans to submit a fresh formal proposal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Council Chairman Ram Shinde. During the monsoon session, a proposal for Satej Patil’s name had been submitted, and the same is set to be resubmitted, Congress leader Abhijit Wanjarie confirmed.

Congress emphasized that its numerical strength in the Council entitles it to the post and warned that proceedings will not continue without a Leader of Opposition. “The post of Leader of Opposition is our constitutional right. Earlier, even when the BJP lacked the numbers, Congress adhered to tradition. Today, despite having solid strength, the government is adopting a stubborn approach,” Wanjarie said, adding that if this stance continues, “the Council will not function.”

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) legislator Sunil Prabhu also criticised the government sharply. “Proceeding with the session without a Leader of Opposition is a misfortune for democracy,” he said, noting that the Business Advisory Committee had demanded the immediate appointment of the Leader of Opposition in both the Council and Assembly. However, no clear response was received. Prabhu also targeted the role of presiding officers, saying, “The chairpersons just say ‘yes, yes’ but take no action. They want the session to proceed without a Leader of Opposition.”

A meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi is scheduled today, where the alliance will decide whether to attend the government-organized tea session.

The issue of the Leader of Opposition post has now evolved beyond a formal or administrative matter into a prestige battle between the government and opposition. While Congress has opted to resubmit the proposal, the government’s response remains uncertain, signaling potential conflict in the upcoming session.