Mumbai: The BJP, which got two more seats than ally Shiv Sena in the Maharashtra Assembly poll, has staked claim on the post of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, held by the latter for the last 10 years.
With 46 of its candidates elected in the polls, the BJP
stood at the third position in the state, while the Sena was
relegated to the fourth position with 44 candidates.
"As per the rules, we have more number of MLAs after the
ruling alliance. So it is obvious we will get the post of
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly," state BJP general
secretary Vinod Tawade said.
However, there has been no discussion on the issue in the
party and between the allies so far, Tawade said.
The Sena is also facing an embarrassment with the defeat
of its leader Ramdas Kadam, who was Leader of the Opposition
for the past five years. In BJP, Jalgaon MLA Eknath Khadse`s
name is being discussed for the position.
However, the Sena is not ready to let go of the post
easily. It is seeking the support of four candidates of the
PWP, who won with its backing and a former Sena activist Vivek
Pandit, who won Independent from Vasai in Thane district.
Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray is holding a
meeting with newly-elected MLAs today to decide on the issue.
The BJP has also convened its first meeting on Friday
which will be addressed by BJP general secretary Gopinath
Munde and state president Nitin Gadkari.
A Sena source said if the position is taken by the BJP,
it will also claim the deputy speaker`s post in the Assembly,
usually held by the Opposition.
"The BJP has to give us the post either in the Assembly
or in Council. In similar manner, the post for Deputy Speaker
and Deputy Chairman (in Council) will be decided," the source
said.
Bureau Report
