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Maharashtra assembly voice vote: Congress leaders want President to hear them out

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Upset at BJP's voice-vote strategy to prove numbers in the assembly, Congress leaders from Maharashtra plan to meet President President Pranab Mukherjee to demand repolling by division of votes.

What had happened in Assembly?
On November 12, Speaker Haribhau Bagade chose voice votes over other modes even though the BJP government was minority. The Congress and Shiv Sena had also alleged that Bagade deliberately changed the sequence of the subjects, which were on agenda, to misguide the house and help the BJP. The whole process was manipulated, they alleged.

Why is Cong crying foul play?
Manikrao Thakare, president of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) said voice vote is used when a government has the majority. "The BJP should have the support of 145 legislators on paper whereas it has got only 122 MLAs. The NCP, which has 41 legislators, has declared external support but is yet to give official letter to governor."

Did Cong leaders meet Guv?
Thakre said they have met Governor Vidyasagar Rao and apprised him of the situation. "We hope the Governor will ask Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to prove majority again by vote of division. We have submitted a memorandum with the reference to the SR Bommai versus Government of India judgment. If the governor doesn't act on it, we will meet the President to press for our demand," said Thakare.

Is party exploring legal angles?
Yes. former CM and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan said, "It is a clear case of cheating by the BJP. We are seeking legal opinion and our leaders will decide the party's next course of action soon." Party sources said their leaders have spoken to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and she too has accepted the idea of meeting the President.

What do experts say on the issue?
Political observers said this is an opportunity for the Congress to return to the centrestage.
"In this case, the Congress can expose the BJP. Sena leaders are not yet clear whether they want to settle with the main opposition tag or continue negotiation with BJP for sharing of power in the state. By foul play, the BJP has lost its moral right. If the Congress works on the anti-BJP sentiments, it stand to gain in the long run. After all, politics is a game of sentiments and perceptions," said observer.

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