Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 21: Maharashtra's three-week monsoon session of the state legislature is set to begin on Monday amid heightened political tensions and growing concerns over the impact of an erratic monsoon on the state's agricultural sector. The session, which will continue until July 10, is expected to witness intense confrontations between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition.
A major political flashpoint is the buzz surrounding the alleged "Operation Tiger", a purported move by the ruling coalition to attract several Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). The issue has already escalated tensions, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray sharply criticising potential defectors during the party's 60th foundation day celebrations, describing them as "shameless and ungrateful".
The legislature is also likely to function without officially recognised Leaders of Opposition in either the Assembly or the Legislative Council, a situation that could work to the advantage of the ruling alliance in managing legislative business.
In response to the alleged defection attempts, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has threatened a counter-strategy dubbed "Operation Wolf", indicating that the opposition plans to adopt an aggressive stance both inside and outside the House.
The ruling alliance is expected to hold elections for the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council during the opening week of the session. Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe, who was recently re-elected to the Upper House, is likely to be renominated by the Eknath Shinde-led faction and is expected to secure an easy victory due to the alliance's numerical strength.
Beyond political battles, agrarian distress is poised to dominate discussions. Maharashtra has been experiencing a prolonged and uneven monsoon, disrupting the kharif sowing season and creating uncertainty among farmers.
The government has advised cultivators to delay sowing activities until fresh guidance is issued by weather authorities. Meanwhile, water levels in more than 3,000 reservoirs across the state have declined significantly, prompting the administration to implement several preventive measures.
The opposition, however, has accused the government of failing to adequately prepare for a possible drought-like situation linked to El Nino conditions. It is expected to demand immediate compensation for crop losses and seek relaxation of conditions attached to the state's Rs 36,585 crore farm loan waiver programme.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Agriculture Minister Datta Bharane have defended the government's initiatives, stating that several restrictions have been removed to ensure wider access to loan waiver benefits. According to Bharane, more than 40 lakh farmers have already benefited from the scheme.
Apart from agriculture, the opposition plans to target the government over inflation triggered by tensions in West Asia, the NEET examination controversy, rising crimes against women and the overall law and order situation.
Sensitive issues such as the Maratha-OBC reservation dispute, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and the debate over sub-categorisation within Scheduled Caste reservations are also expected to generate heated discussions.
The ruling alliance, on its part, is preparing to highlight its achievements in addressing concerns of both Maratha and OBC communities, strengthening the police force, curbing drug-related crimes and improving women's safety.
The government is also expected to introduce a bill aimed at empowering women farmers, alongside announcing several policy initiatives to support the farming community and simplify public services through reforms in the revenue department.
Political observers believe this session will be less about routine lawmaking and more about establishing political dominance ahead of future electoral battles. While the opposition seeks to consolidate its position despite limited numbers, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar are expected to use the session to project administrative stability and effective governance.
With supplementary budget demands scheduled for approval during the first week, the monsoon session is expected to witness heated debates, frequent disruptions and sharp exchanges, making it a crucial platform for shaping Maharashtra's immediate political and economic direction.