Opposition leaves Maharashtra government red-faced

The state government faced a major embarrassment on Monday after the Opposition questioned the constitutional validity of the passing of the supplementary budget in the legislative assembly. The supplementary budget of Rs20,000 crore could not be discussed in the legislative council. Leader of Opposition in the legislative council Vinod Tawde said the government had not provided an annual financial statement with the budget, which was mandatory as per the governor’s directives. The government then held discussions with the Opposition leaders from both Houses. The government said it will seek a special sanction from the governor to get the supplementary budget approved without the financial statement.