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BJP leader Rahul Narwekar files his nomination for Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, and BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, in Mumbai on Sunday. |
BJP’s Colaba MLA, Rahul Narwekar, has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for a second consecutive term. His appointment was confirmed unopposed during the special assembly session held on Monday.
Narwekar filed his nomination on Sunday with strong support from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, and other senior BJP leaders. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance did not field a candidate for the Speaker's post.
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As Speaker, Narwekar's role will be significant in determining whether the opposition qualifies for the Leader of Opposition (LoP) position, as they currently hold less than 10% of the Assembly’s 288 seats.
Narwekar first assumed the Speaker's position in July 2022 and gained recognition for addressing petitions regarding Shiv Sena MLAs' disqualification.
In the recent Maharashtra elections, the Mahayuti coalition, led by the BJP, secured a landslide victory with 237 seats, leaving the MVA with only 46.
The Assembly will also address the MVA's demands for the LoP and Deputy Speaker positions during the ongoing three-day special session