Maharashtra’s budget session opened amid uproar as Shiv Sena (UBT) firebrand Sanjay Raut accused the Mahayuti government of engineering a democratic deficit by leaving Leader of Opposition positions unfilled in Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad.
In his signature combative style, Raut addressed the press in Mumbai on Monday, sparing no one from CM Fadnavis to the BJP brass. ‘This is democracy taking a hit— conducting proceedings without an official opposition watchdog is laughable and unlawful,’ he proclaimed.
Delving into fundamentals, Raut explained how the role fortifies parliamentary integrity, compelling the executive to justify its actions. Its deliberate vacancy, he contended, flouts precedents from Parliament and other state assemblies, fostering an environment ripe for overreach.
Raut lambasted the government’s evasive tactics, terming them a betrayal of voter mandate. ‘We’ve demanded this for ages, met with technical dodges every time,’ he said. He flagged the historic precedent: never before has Maharashtra’s budget session lacked opposition leaders across both houses.
Signaling escalation, Raut outlined plans for legal challenges and grassroots agitation. ‘Fear of accountability is palpable despite your brute strength,’ he taunted. This critique arrives at a pivotal juncture, with the session set to dissect the state’s financial roadmap.
Political observers note the standoff could prolong into procedural logjams, amplifying opposition narratives ahead of future polls. Raut’s clarion call reinforces the imperative of institutional safeguards in sustaining Maharashtra’s vibrant democratic ethos.