The Maharashtra Special Session of the assembly kicked off on Saturday amidst a boycott by opposition parties over alleged EVM manipulation. The Speaker election is set for Monday following the swearing-in of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The opposition MLAs from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP chose to abstain from taking their oaths on the first day, with BJP MLA Chainsukh Sancheti being among the first to do so.
Opposition Boycott Over EVM Concerns
The decision to boycott the proceedings stemmed from concerns over the integrity of the electronic voting machines used in the recent state assembly elections. Congress state president Nana Patole, representing the Sakoli assembly constituency, was called to take the oath but opted to leave the house in protest. Bhaskar Jadhav, leading Shiv Sena in the state assembly, explained their stance: “Though we are not against taking the oath of secrecy as MLAs, we have decided not to take oath today. Mahayuti coalition got the unprecedented mandate in the assembly polls. We all know it is not a people’s mandate and has been achieved with the help of EVM. As a mark of protest against use of EVM in the polls, we have decided not to take oath on the first day of the session.”
Opposition Pays Respects to Maratha King
In a symbolic gesture of protest, the opposition members gathered outside to pay respects to Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at his statue in the Vidhan Bhavan premises. This act underscored their commitment to their cause and showcased unity in their dissent against the alleged manipulation of the electoral process.
Expert Commentary on EVM Concerns
Experts have weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding EVMs and the implications for the democratic process. Dr. Anjali Deshpande, a political analyst, highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in electoral practices. She emphasized the importance of addressing the opposition’s concerns to uphold the principles of fair and free elections.
Moving Forward
As the special session progresses, all eyes are on the upcoming Speaker election and the resolution of the opposition’s grievances regarding EVM usage. The fate of the assembly hangs in the balance as the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
