The BJP-led minority government in Maharashtra is absolutely confident of proving its numbers on the floor of the Assembly where a trust motion on behalf of the Devendra Fadnavis Ministry would be moved by a BJP MLA.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the media that the BJP is very hopeful of consensus among all parties on the Speaker’s election.
The Speaker’s election will be followed by floor test. The BJP has named Haribhau Bagde as its candidate for the post of Speaker, the Sena has fielded Vijay Auti and Varsha Gaikwad is the Congress nominee.
The BJP wants a Speaker of its choice considering the fact that it is running a minority government and the Speaker is supreme on all matters related to the Assembly.
“We expect that the selection of a Speaker should go unopposed. We will speak to all parties involved in it and will ask them to withdraw,” said Mr. Fadnavis. He met Congress leader Radhakrushna Vikhe-Patil as part of the exercise to evolve a consensus.
The Sena insisted that it would not change its stand that unless the BJP spelt out its position on the unconditional support extended by the NCP, it would sit on the Opposition benches.
“We are not going to change our stand. If the BJP wants to take the support of an anti-Hindutva party like the NCP, then they are free to do so. We will contest for the Speaker’s post,” said Sena’s group leader Eknath Shinde.
The Congress’ candidate Varsha Gaikwad met NCP chief Sharad Pawar seeking his party’s support.
On Monday the Sena had communicated to Assembly Secretary Anant Kalase that Mr. Shinde should be considered for the post of Leader of the Opposition.
However, it also left its door open for a deal with the BJP. The Sena contended that its talks with the BJP would continue. The party said that it has staked claim for Leader of the Opposition only to ensure that the Congress does not bag it, in case its talks with the BJP fail.
