Congress, NCP at loggerheads, no opposition leader for Maharashtra

With just a day before the winter session, and Congress and NCP members involved in mudslinging against each other, there is no strong opposition left for the BJP-Shiv Sena government in the state.

BJP leaders have almost made up their minds to run the house without a leader of the opposition (LoP). Speaker of the state Legislative Assembly Haribhau Bagade, who is BJP's seasoned leader, will decide on who will be the LoP in the assembly.

Maharashtra Congress president Manikrao Thakre said: "We have rightfully made our claim for the post, and have one MLA more than the NCP."

Thakre added that the NCP had no right to claim the post, stating: "How can the NCP claim the post of LoP when it has shown solidarity with the BJP from day one?"

However, Ajit Pawar, former deputy CM and legislative party leader for the NCP said that the ball is in the Speaker's court. He said: "Congress has no right to claim the stake. The LoP post is with us as we have the support of at least six more MLAs from other parties."