Mumbai: As Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with other top coalition leaders including NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the rebel MLAs of the Eknath Shinde camp held their meeting with an agenda to remove the deputy speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly. Narhari Jirwal, ANI quoted sources as saying. Narhari Jirwal is an NCP leader who is considered close to Sharad Pawar. It was believed that because of his loyalty to the NCP-Shiv Sena alliance, Zeerwal might spell trouble for the rebel group during the floor test.
“At a meeting of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, they plan to take a resolution to remove deputy speaker Narhari Jirwal. News agency ANI tweeted quoting sources, “Action is being taken to prepare a resolution signed by 46 MLAs of the rebel group.
Two pro-BJP independent MLAs in Maharashtra on Friday objected to the appointment of Shiv Sena MLA Ajay Choudhary as the leader of the party’s new group in the House by Deputy Speaker Narhari Jirwal.
Independent MLAs Yogesh Baldi and Vinod Agarwal have made this demand.
Talking to reporters here, Baldi said, “The Deputy Speaker cannot take such a decision as it is the prerogative of the Speaker. We will soon take legal steps in this regard.”
However, Dr. Anant Kalse, former Principal Secretary, Vidhan Bhavan, said, “Article 180 of the Constitution clearly states that the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly can take a decision when the post of Speaker is vacant. I am not sure that the demand is to be made.” Any of these independents can stand in the court.”
The post of state assembly speaker has been lying vacant since February 2021 when Congress leader Nana Patole was appointed the party’s state unit chief.
Jirwal has approved the appointment of Ajay Choudhary in place of Eknath Shinde.