BJP's 'Googly' or Unity in Maha Vikas Aghadi? New Dilemma over Leader of the Opposition Post

(Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar) A credible source has revealed that the BJP has offered cooperation by suggesting that Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar be given the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Uddhav Sena's Anil Parab in the Legislative Council. It is being discussed in political circles that this move is an attempt to create a rift within the Maha Vikas Aghadi. The official demand of the Maha Vikas Aghadi is that Bhaskar Jadhav of Uddhav Sena be appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Satej Patil of Congress in the Legislative Council. The parties have also submitted letters to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Chairman of the Legislative Council, respectively, suggesting the names of Jadhav and Patil.

However, it is understood from sources that the Shinde faction does not accept the appointment of Bhaskar Jadhav. If Jadhav becomes the Leader of the Opposition, his criticism will be directly aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his ministers. On the other hand, if Vadettiwar comes forward, his aggressiveness will equally target all three parties in the grand alliance. Therefore, since Vadettiwar seems to be a 'golden mean' compared to Jadhav, the Shinde Sena is opposed to Jadhav's candidacy, it is discussed. Against this backdrop, it is learned that the BJP has contacted some MVA leaders and conveyed a message to agree on the names of Vadettiwar and Anil Parab. Although the final authority to choose the Leader of the Opposition rests with the Speaker and the Chairman, the influence of the ruling party remains in this process, as seen from past experience.

However, the Maha Vikas Aghadi has taken a clear stance. Without succumbing to BJP's pressure, they remain firm on Satej Patil for the Legislative Council and Bhaskar Jadhav for the Legislative Assembly. “This move by the BJP is an attempt to create differences among us; but we will not break,” noted a senior Congress MLA. The MVA leaders have decided not to consider any other names besides Satej Patil and Bhaskar Jadhav. To emphasize the demand for Satej Patil, Congress MLAs met Speaker Prof. Ram Shinde on Monday and have decided to meet again on Tuesday.