Maharashtra Opposition Stages Walkout Over Delay in Leader of Opposition Appointment

Tensions flared in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Tuesday as opposition parties staged a walkout to protest the prolonged delay in appointing the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), a post that has remained vacant since the 2024 state elections.

The protest coincided with a ceremonial felicitation of Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai, prompting opposition leaders to question the propriety of celebrating constitutional values while a key democratic position remained unfilled. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav raised the issue during the question hour, calling the delay “a violation of legislative customs and traditions”.

Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar echoed the sentiment, expressing disappointment that the LoP would be absent from the dais during the Chief Justice’s felicitation. NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil also joined the chorus, urging Speaker Rahul Narwekar to expedite the decision.

Speaker Narwekar responded by stating that a decision would be made “soon,” but emphasized that the Shiv Sena (UBT) had taken over three months to submit its nomination — Bhaskar Jadhav — for the role. He maintained that the final decision rests with his office and should not be rushed.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis distanced the government from the controversy, stating that the matter was strictly between the Speaker and the opposition parties.

Unconvinced by the assurances, members of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance — comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP) — walked out of the Assembly and staged a sit-in protest on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan, raising slogans and demanding immediate action.

The opposition has argued that the continued vacancy undermines democratic norms and weakens legislative checks and balances. With the monsoon session underway and critical legislative business on the agenda, the absence of an LoP has become a flashpoint in Maharashtra’s political discourse.