The Maharashtra Assembly’s three-day special session marked a turning point in the state’s political dynamics, showcasing the consolidation of power by the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti coalition and the challenges faced by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). During the session, BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar was elected unopposed as the Assembly Speaker after the MVA declined to nominate a candidate. This election and the subsequent passage of a confidence vote in favor of the ruling coalition reinforced its majority, with 237 MLAs in the 288-member assembly. Shiv Sena MLA Uday Samant introduced the confidence motion, which was passed by a voice vote, further establishing the government’s firm grip on the Assembly.
The MVA, comprising the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (UBT), used the session to highlight its dissatisfaction with the current electoral processes. Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole and NCP leader Sharad Pawar questioned the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), demanding a return to ballot paper voting, citing public concerns over the mandate’s legitimacy. This skepticism followed the Mahayuti coalition’s sweeping victory in the recent elections, where it secured over 230 seats, while the MVA managed only 46. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in a sharp rebuttal, criticized the opposition for using EVMs as a scapegoat for their electoral failures, calling for them to accept the people’s mandate.
Amid this, discussions over cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation gained momentum. The BJP is expected to secure 21-22 ministerial berths, followed by Shiv Sena with 11-12 and the NCP faction with 9-10. The final decisions on these allocations are being led by Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and are reportedly in the final stages. A performance review of the ministers from the previous administration is influencing these decisions, and some reshuffle is anticipated.
The election of Rahul Narwekar as Speaker was not without controversy. The Shiv Sena (UBT) boycotted the vote, citing Narwekar’s past rulings that legitimised the Shinde faction as the “real” Shiv Sena after the party’s split and similarly recognised the Ajit Pawar faction as the true NCP. Despite these criticisms, Narwekar’s unanimous election underscored the Mahayuti coalition’s dominance. In his address, Chief Minister Fadnavis requested the Speaker to address overcrowding issues within the Legislative Assembly premises, which he described as chaotic due to the influx of delegations and visitors accompanying MLAs. Opposition leader Jayant Patil supported this call, suggesting alternative arrangements to manage crowding and ensure efficient legislative proceedings.
The MVA also formally demanded the posts of Leader of Opposition and Deputy Speaker, indicating its intent to assert a stronger presence in the Assembly. These demands, alongside the opposition’s critique of the electoral process, signal the political contention that lies ahead. Despite these challenges, the Mahayuti coalition has firmly established itself as the dominant force in Maharashtra, with its overwhelming electoral success providing a robust mandate. The coming months will test the government’s ability to deliver on governance while navigating opposition demands, setting the stage for an intriguing political phase in the state.
