Maharashtra Opposition Leaders Accuse Speaker, Chairman Of Bias; Seek Governor’s Intervention

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 20 : Opposition leaders in Maharashtra have raised concerns over alleged biased behavior by the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and the Chairman of the Legislative Council. The leaders have sought the intervention of Governor CP Radhakrishnan, claiming that their constitutional rights are being undermined.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, along with other opposition leaders, submitted a formal complaint letter to the Governor.

Opposition’s Allegations

In the letter, Danve stressed the importance of the opposition in a parliamentary democracy. He stated:

“Opposition parties are an important element in a parliamentary system. Their role is not to oppose the government but to restrain the decisions and policies of the government. It is to criticize and suggest alternative policies where necessary.”

However, the opposition claims that recent legislative proceedings have failed to uphold democratic norms, with the Speaker and Chairman favoring the ruling party.

Key Complaints by the Opposition:

1. Unfair Conduct of Proceedings:

• The Speaker and Chairman have been acting in a biased and one-sided manner in conducting the House proceedings.
• The rules and parliamentary conventions are allegedly being disregarded.

1. Obstruction of Opposition Leaders:

• Opposition leaders claim they are being unjustly restricted from raising critical issues.
• Their cut motions and amendments are not receiving adequate responses from the government.

1. Absence of Concerned Ministers:

• During important discussions, including those on supplementary demands, the relevant ministers are often absent.
• Instead, ministers unrelated to the department are responding to debates, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
• Additionally, the secretary of the concerned department is not present in the invisible gallery, violating procedural norms.

1. Lack of Fairness in Running the House:

• The opposition accused the Legislative Council Chairman of failing to ensure impartiality.
• They highlighted that ministers from unrelated departments are allowed to respond, while the concerned ministers remain silent.

Governor’s Role and Next Steps

The opposition leaders have urged Governor CP Radhakrishnan to intervene and ensure fairness in legislative proceedings. It remains to be seen whether the Governor will take action or if the Speaker and Chairman will respond to the allegations.

This latest dispute further highlights the increasing tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition parties in Maharashtra, as both sides gear up for upcoming political battles.