Currently, in the 288-member Assembly, Congress has 42 MLAs while the NCP has 41, but if both the expected exits take place, the Congress' strength will be lower than NCP.
Even before Narayan Rane could walk to the other side of the aisle after he quit Congress on Thursday, some in the NCP are staking claim to become the new Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly. In light of Rane's exit, it is expected that his son Nitish, an MLA from Kankavli, and his long-time loyalist Kalidas Kolambkar from Naigaon are likely to follow suit. "This move will reduce the Congress party's strength in the state assembly," said an NCP leader.
Currently, in the 288-member Assembly, Congress has 42 MLAs while the NCP has 41, but if both the expected exits take place, the Congress' strength will be lower than NCP.
While NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said it will be too early to comment, he said that if it comes to pass, they will make the claim. "If the Congress loses its numbers, we will surely make the claim for the Leader of Opposition in State Assembly," Malik said.
Sources in the NCP added that if the position of Leader of Opposition becomes available, Ajit Pawar is likely to name senior leader Jayant Patil for the post.
"Jayant Patil was the finance and home minister and is one of the senior-most NCP leaders. He is also known as a studious MLA, so his talent will be used to expose the BJP as well as expand the NCP base across Maharashtra," said senior NCP leader on condition of anonymity.
"With the Leader of Opposition in Assembly and the Council, the NCP will be the dominant Opposition in state and we will utilise this opportunity to fight for the farmers and the downtrodden," said the leader.
Meanwhile, Congress has refused to comment on the matter and said it is speculation. "Except Rane, no one has made the announcement of quitting Congress yet and we sure that we will maintain numbers to retain the position," said a Congress leader.
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 "Narayan Rane")
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