Rahul Narwekar Poised To Be Maharashtra Assembly Speaker

BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar has filed his nomination for the Speaker position in the Maharashtra legislative assembly. The election is scheduled for Monday, December 9. With no opposition candidate from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Narwekar is expected to be elected unopposed.

Monday marks the final day of a special session in the Maharashtra assembly. Following the Speaker's election, a majority test will be conducted to confirm the new government's strength. This test is anticipated to be resolved through a voice vote. Governor CP Radhakrishnan will subsequently address both Houses of the state legislature.

Maharashtra Assembly Dynamics

Earlier, Narwekar submitted his nomination for the Speaker's role, accompanied by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Narwekar previously served as Speaker in the 14th assembly for two and a half years, delivering significant verdicts related to Shiv Sena and NCP issues. He was re-elected from Mumbai's Colaba assembly seat.

The MVA leaders approached CM Fadnavis, urging adherence to protocol by assigning the Deputy Speaker's post to the opposition. They also sought the Leader of Opposition position. During his previous tenure as Speaker, Narwekar ruled in favour of factions led by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, recognising them as legitimate representatives of Shiv Sena and NCP respectively after party splits.

Party Representation in 15th Assembly

The Mahayuti (NDA) coalition includes BJP with 132 seats, Shiv Sena with 57, NCP holding 41 seats, Jan Surabaya Shakti Party with 2, Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party with 1, Rashtriya Samaj Paksh with 1, Independents with 2 seats, and Rajarshi Shahu Vikas Aghadi with 1 seat.

On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 20 seats, Congress has secured 16 seats, NCP (SP) possesses 10 seats, CPM has 1 seat, PWP holds 1 seat, AIMIM has secured 1 seat and Samajwadi Party holds 2 seats.

Narwekar's nomination was supported by key figures including State BJP chief Chandrashekar Bawankule and senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil. His previous rulings have been pivotal in shaping political alignments within Maharashtra's legislative landscape.