The third day of the Maharashtra Assembly’s monsoon session began with intense anticipation as political temperatures soared inside and outside the House. With a growing list of contentious issues, the atmosphere in the legislature turned confrontational early in the day.
This year’s monsoon session, which began on June 30 and is scheduled to continue until July 18, has already been marked by fiery debates and opposition protests. Today’s proceedings were no exception.
The opposition, led by senior leaders across parties, raised concerns about the ongoing agrarian crisis in the state. Protesting what they allege is the government's neglect of farmers’ grievances, opposition MLAs entered the assembly wearing black ribbons as a mark of protest.
Chants demanding immediate relief measures for farmers echoed through the legislative building, indicating that agriculture-related distress would dominate the agenda for the day.
Tensions were further heightened by the fallout from Congress leader Nana Patole’s suspension during Tuesday’s session. Opposition parties condemned the move, calling it an effort to silence dissent and suppress democratic debate.
Their united front today aimed to not only raise the issue of farmer welfare but also challenge what they describe as the ruling party's undemocratic tactics.