Confusion in Maharashtra govt over next Speaker

Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is among the frontrunners in the race for the post of speaker in Congress camp. But, it is speculated in the party circles that tribal development minister KC Padwi is also in the race. This is considered as a move to give preference for tribal class.

Mumbai: After the resignation of Nana Patole from the post of Maharashtra assembly speaker, there is a state of confusion in the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

When the formula for sharing of posts was decided at the time of forming the MVA coalition, speaker post came to Congress kitty as Nana Patole was a senior leader of the party. But, leaders of MVA have not explicitly clarified till today if the post left vacant by Patole’s resignation would be given to Congress.

The mum of senior leaders on this issue has given rise to uncertainty in the state about who would be the next speaker.

Congress has decided to appoint Nana Patole, an aggressive leader from Vidarbha, as Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president to bring change.

Patole after stepping down said that I have resigned after the party directed me to do so and I will fulfil whatever responsibility party will be entrusted to me.

Congress has already made the announcement of Patole as new state unit president. Similarly, there are also speculations that Patole may be given an important ministry to bring aggressive face in the house.

Senior Congress leader and state rehabilitation minister Vijay Vadettiwar said in this regard that, Patole has been made MPCC president. But, the decision about giving him ministry will be taken by Congress high command. He also said that the MVA leaders will sit and discuss the issue of who will be the new assembly speaker.

Padvi and Prithviraj Chavan frontrunner

Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is among the frontrunners in the race for speaker post in Congress camp. But, it is speculated in the party circles that tribal development minister KC Padwi is also in the race.

This is considered as a move to give preference for tribal class.

MVA has recently completed one year tenure of power. The coalition had emerged in acute political battle and it has also proved the majority in the house.

MVA leaders have been emphasizing repeatedly that our coalition is functioning strongly on the basis of Common minimum program when BJP is constantly cornering it on various issues. Now, the MVA government has to once again prove its majority on the election of the speaker.

The resignation of Nana Patole has made MVA face a political poser. It is also said that NCP and Shiv Sena, the other two constituent parties of MVA are displeased on this issue.

The saviour of MVA and NCP president Sharad Pawar has stated that the announcement of the new speaker will be made after discussing with all constituent parties.

The ambiguity Pawar has kept on the issue of speaker has created confusion in MVA. It is believed that in this confusing situation Congress also wants discussion on the post of legislative council presidentship.