Nagpur Winter Session: Demand to Extend the Duration of Nagpur Winter Session; Fadnavis's Explanation, Opposition's Questions Remain

The winter session of the state legislature began in Nagpur today. However, since this year's session is scheduled to last only from December 8 to 14, the opposition has taken an aggressive stance right from the start. Shiv Sena Thackeray group's leader Bhaskar Jadhav and Congress state president Nana Patole have strongly objected to the decision to wrap up this session, which is focused on the issues of Vidarbha, in just one week, and have demanded an extension of the session in the assembly.

Bhaskar Jadhav's Discontent

As soon as the assembly proceedings began, Bhaskar Jadhav expressed dissatisfaction over the limited duration of the session.

"According to the Vidarbha agreement, the winter session should be held in Vidarbha and for an appropriate duration. We had suggested the period from December 8 to 19. But now the session has been limited to just seven days. The decision is made, that's fine; but do not send a message that creates doubt about our stance," Jadhav clearly stated in the assembly.

Nana Patole's Bitter Criticism

Congress's Nana Patole also demanded the extension of the session and targeted the government.

He said, "After the integration of Maharashtra, there were rules to hold the winter session in Nagpur for at least two months. Previously, when in opposition, your own friends ran the session for a month. Why is the government in such a hurry now? Even the supplementary demands are being presented hastily."

Fadnavis's Rebuttal

Responding to both these demands, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cited the rules to explain the reason behind keeping the session duration short.

He said,

"On the first day of the session, it is a rule to present supplementary demands, introduce bills, and show ordinances. Looking at the records of the last 50 years, the agenda for the first day has never been different. We also feel that the session should run longer. I have conducted the longest session in Nagpur."

Referring to the code of conduct, Fadnavis said, "Currently, local self-government elections are underway. The code of conduct can be enforced again at any time. That's why only a week and two days have been decided. The remaining days will be adjusted next year."

Fadnavis's jab showing 'record'

After Nana Patole requested the Speaker to extend the session again, Fadnavis gave another reaction.

He said,

"Let me clear the record, when Nana Patole was the Speaker, the sessions in Mumbai lasted only 3 and 5 days. In other states, sessions continued for 15-20 days. Was there no corona there? Then why were the sessions in Maharashtra so short?"

Opposition's Efforts Continue

Even after Fadnavis's clarification, the opposition maintained their demand to extend the session duration considering the seriousness of the issues in Vidarbha. Signs of increased political temperature on this topic in the house over the next few days are evident.

Overall, the 'short duration' of the Nagpur winter session became a major political discussion on the very first day, with old statistics, rules, and political reminders between the government and the opposition once again taking center stage in the session.