Opposition Shuns Tea Party Over Maharashtra's Leader of Opposition Vacancies

In Maharashtra, the Opposition boycotted the government's customary pre-Winter session tea party due to the absence of appointed leaders of opposition in both houses. Criticism arose over constitutional neglect, unfulfilled promises to farmers, rising crime rates, and significant debt issues facing the state.

The Opposition in Maharashtra has taken a stand against the state government by boycotting its traditional tea party on the eve of the Winter session. This move comes in response to the government's failure to appoint leaders of opposition (LoPs) in the state legislature's two houses, a decision slammed as a disregard for constitutional norms.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar spoke to media, pointing out that individual MLAs received the tea party invitations instead of the LoPs. He was joined by leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) in highlighting issues affecting the state, from farmer suicides to rising crime rates and unfulfilled government promises.

Asserting the government's mishandling of critical issues, Wadettiwar criticized the appointment of two deputy chief ministers while leaving LoP posts unoccupied. The situation prompted opposition leaders like Shiv Sena's Bhaskar Jadhav to accuse the state of fearing exposure of its governance failures.

(With inputs from agencies.)