Shirsat Criticizes Opposition's Leader of Opposition Demands Amid Budget Cuts

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat criticized opposition demands for the Leader of Opposition post, stressing the need for sufficient assembly numbers. He also highlighted a significant budget cut of Rs 7,000 crore to the Social Justice department, raising concerns with CM Fadnavis as potential impacts loom.

Maharashtra's Social Justice Minister, Sanjay Shirsat, stressed the necessity for opposition parties to have adequate numbers in the legislative assembly to secure the Leader of Opposition position in a recent statement, indirectly referencing former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Shirsat conveyed concerns over a substantial Rs 7,000 crore reduction in his department's budget, an issue he has already discussed with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This budgetary cut threatens to halt or discontinue some key social justice schemes.

As the state budget session commenced, the Shiv Sena (UBT) demanded the opposition leader post for senior MLA Bhaskar Jadhav. Despite not having sufficient assembly numbers to meet the 10% seat precedent, discussions continue, with the MVA constituents seeking a rotational sharing agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)