Shiv Sena (UBT) stakes claim for LoP post in Maharashtra assembly
Rejects power-sharing with NCP (SP)
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, has formally staked its claim for the post of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra Assembly, rejecting the proposal of sharing the position with the NCP (Sharad Pawar). The party has nominated its group leader, Bhaskar Jadhav, for the post.
A delegation led by Thackeray met Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Tuesday and submitted a letter staking the claim. Sources indicate that the party was initially hesitant to submit the letter unless it received assurances from the BJP, the largest party in the ruling coalition.
Prior to meeting Narwekar, Thackeray held discussions with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies, including NCP state chief Jayant Patil and party leader Jitendra Awhad. However, no Congress leader was present at the meeting. Congress leader Nana Patole later stated that his party had no objections to Shiv Sena (UBT) claiming the LoP position. Meanwhile, Congress is reportedly interested in securing the opposition leader's post in the state council, currently held by Shiv Sena leader Ambadas Danve. The Sena has yet to respond to this demand.
The legislature secretariat has clarified that no specific rules govern the appointment of the LoP, with the decision resting solely with the Speaker. The development has drawn attention to the evolving political dynamics in Maharashtra, particularly amid tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Political observers suggest that if Shiv Sena (UBT) secures the LoP post, it could signal a shift in its relationship with the BJP.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
