Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 8: Opposition parties in the Maharashtra Assembly staged a walkout on Tuesday to protest the delay in appointing the Leader of Opposition (LoP), calling it a violation of legislative customs and traditions. The protest took place just as the House was preparing to felicitate Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai.

The issue was raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav during the question hour. He criticised the government for not making the LoP appointment despite repeated joint representations from the Opposition, and pointed out the irony of hosting a felicitation for the Chief Justice while leaving a key constitutional position vacant.

Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar responded by saying he would make a decision soon. However, opposition members, including Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar and NCP(SP)’s Jayant Patil, pressed for immediate action.

Wadettiwar expressed disappointment that there would be no Leader of Opposition present during the felicitation of the CJI and criticised the government for the delay.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intervened, saying it would not be appropriate to set a deadline for the decision. Speaker Narvekar reiterated that the final call would be his.

Unhappy with the response, opposition members walked out of the Assembly and later staged a sit-in protest on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan, raising slogans demanding the prompt appointment of the Leader of Opposition.