Sanjay Raut, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, sharply criticized ruling parties in Maharashtra for their failure to appoint Leaders of the Opposition (LoP) in both the state legislature and municipal corporations. He emphasized that this absence reflects a fear of democratic scrutiny and undermines essential constitutional processes.
During a press conference on Saturday, Raut expressed his concern that it is shameful for Maharashtra to lack an LoP in either House. “It is a democratic necessity to have a Leader of Opposition in municipal corporations, state assemblies, and Parliament. It is also a constitutional requirement,” he stated emphatically.
Raut accused the ruling parties of systematically preventing the appointment of LoPs over the past 10 to 11 years through electoral manipulation and political pressure. “The BJP has consistently attempted to weaken and insult the institution of the Leader of Opposition,” he claimed. “Conducting legislative business without an LoP clearly indicates that these parties fear the post.”
The Shiv Sena leader pointed out that Maharashtra has a rich democratic tradition where Leaders of the Opposition were appointed even when opposing parties had comparatively smaller numbers. “During times when BJP lacked sufficient representation in Parliament, it still received the LoP position. This cherished tradition is now being deliberately dismantled,” Raut remarked.
In response to this political vacuum, opposition parties are now vocally demanding the appointment of Leaders of Opposition in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated Bhaskar Jadhav for the Legislative Assembly, while Congress has proposed Satej Patil for the Legislative Council.
Shiv Sena’s Stance on State Unity
Aside from criticizing the ruling parties, Raut also took aim at Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule over remarks regarding the potential creation of a separate Vidarbha state. He alleged that the proposal has backing from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
“Shiv Sena (UBT) will strongly oppose any attempt to divide Maharashtra. The state’s unity is non-negotiable,” Raut declared. He reiterated that such divisive tactics only serve to threaten the integrity of Maharashtra as a whole.
Meanwhile, Raut pointed to the recent Vande Mataram debate in Parliament as a testament to the vibrancy of democracy within the country. He noted that the ruling BJP seemed unsettled by the robust presence and performance of the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
“The enthusiasm in the debate was palpable thanks to Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. This clearly reinforces the belief that democracy is alive and well. The debate thoroughly exposed the shortcomings of the BJP and its affiliated organizations,” he asserted.
Raut further insisted that a discussion on the Maharashtra Geet in the state legislature is vital, stating it would lead to meaningful conversations about the contributions of various leaders and movements to the formation of Maharashtra and Mumbai.
