Maharashtra: Shiv Sena-BJP divide on politics and policies

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

In a day of high drama, the Maharashtra politics witnessed a cross connections in the ongoing budget session as Congress and Shiv Sena united to take on BJP-NCP on the appointment of new chairman of the Legislative Council.

The new realignment saw the NCP eliciting assurance from the BJP to get its candidate Ramraje Nimbalkar elected as the state Council Chairman. In return, the BJP sought NCP’s support for appointment of senior leader Pandurang Phundkar as Deputy Chairman in the Council.

On the other hand, to embarrass the BJP, ally Shiv Sena fielded Neelam Gorhe (MLC) and another independent candidate Shrikant Deshpande in the contest for the council chairman. The Congress, on the other hand, tried to make things difficult for the NCP by fielding its candidate Sharad Ranpise.

The appointment of council chairman will depend on number game in the house of 78 MLCs. The NCP with 28 MLCs has clear edge. The BJP which has 12 MLCs has reassured NCP if required it would not only lend moral support but also participate in voting.

The voting for the chairman’s election will be held tomorrow.

Seeing no hope for its candidate in the Council, which has NCP in majority, the Congress has decided to withdraw from the race tomorrow.

Strains in the ruling alliance in Maharashtra came to the fore again, with Shiv Sena attacking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today over the law and order and taking critical view of the state budget presented yesterday.

Targetting Fadnavis, who also holds Home portfolio, without naming him, Sena MLC Anil Parab wondered how dance bars are still functioning in Mumbai despite the ban imposed on by them by the previous Congress-NCP government.

“If a police van is parked outside (the bars) then it indicates that they are on. Dance bars are functioning with co-operation of police,” he said.

Sena also criticised Modi government’s save energy project by installing LED lights as a move to benefit a private company. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sharply replied to Sena’s allegation. “ I would suggest people do some home work before making baseless allegations. The LED lights are not only brighter and long lasting but also financially cheaper. We can save Rs 73 crore alone in Mumbai,” said Fadnavis.

Source:: Indian Express