Oppn divided, Cong asks NCP to make clear if it is in Govt


* Congress, NCP both stake claim for the post of Leader of Opposition
By Kartik Lokhande 
On the eve of winter session, the Opposition stood divided. Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) both have staked claim for the post of Leader of Opposition (LoP) and the differences appeared to have widened. This may prove to be advantageous for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena combine during winter session.
On the eve of winter session, Congress alone represented the Opposition and addressed the customary press conference. Asked about absence of other parties, especially NCP, that are not part of the Government, MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre said, “NCP has not declared whether it is in the Government or in the Opposition. Often, they have claimed of working to save the BJP Government. Besides, NCP leaders including Ajit Pawar have not shown any aggression or interest in the issues of farmers facing drought-like situation in the State. We are performing our duty as principal opposition party.”
Asked about NCP also staking its claim over the post of LoP, Thakre said that only Congress had rightful claim over the post. “Our numbers are more than NCP. Even if numbers are equal, decision about the post of Leader of Opposition is taken considering the percentage of total votes polled by parties that have not joined the Government. Going by that logic also, Congress has polled 18 per cent votes and NCP has polled less than that,” he explained. Still, he added, the fact remained that the Leader of Opposition was not yet appointed and it would be interesting to watch how ‘serious’ the Speaker was about it.
Thakre’s taking dig at NCP and Ajit Pawar clearly indicates that there is lack of communication between Congress and NCP, due to sharp differences over the post of LoP. Interestingly, political circles were full of talks that NCP was planning to bring ‘no trust motion’ against Shivajirao Deshmukh, Chairman of Legislative Council and a senior Congress leaders. Asked about it, Manikrao Thakre said, “We will fight it out.” This is a clear indication that the Opposition bloc may remain divided throughout the winter session.
It may be mentioned here that Congress has 42 seats in Legislative Assembly, and NCP ahs 41. After Shiv Sena joined BJP Government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde resigned as Leader of Opposition and was made a minister. As a result, the next biggest party -- Congress -- staked its claim over the post of LoP. NCP claimed support of some Independent MLAs and moved in for the post of LoP. 

(07-12-14)

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