Mumbai: The Maharashtra Legislature’s Monsoon Session begins in Mumbai amid a politically charged atmosphere on Monday. the opposition is set to target the Mahayuti government over drought like conditions, water scarcity, farmer suicides and several other key issues faced in the state.
While the delayed monsoon and looming drought situation have aided the opposition to take advantage over the ruling party, the recent political turmoil injected by the ‘Operation Tiger’ within Shiv Sena UBT has also put the opposition camp under stress ahead of the session.
Loan Waiver Issue to be Raised by Opposition
Recently the Fadnavis government announced ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Karjmukti Yojana’ under which farmers are to receive loan waivers of up to Rs 2 lakh which opposition doubt their intention as the conditions applied in the scheme seems to be restrictive and demanding a blanket farm loan waiver instead. The issue is expected to trigger during the session inducing high voltage drama in the session.
Chief Minister Devendar Fadnavis had announced the scheme earlier this year during the Budget session.
Water Scarcity Management Plan
Another issue likely to be raised by opposition is the delay in monsoon arrival across several parts of Maharashtra. With July to begin and still no rainfall the concerns regarding water scarcity and possible drought conditions have intensified. The opposition may demand a full proof plan to counter this situation with a certain kind of management plan.
Pimpri-Chinchwad hooch tragedy and Schedule Caste Reservation Issue
The Pimpri-Chinchwad hooch tragedy in which 22 people allegedly died after consuming spurious liquor last month might the another issue raised by the opposition leaders in the session while the other concern would be the state government’s move towards sub-categorisation within Scheduled Caste reservations without making public the report of the retired Justice Anant Badr Committee.
Introduction of Coaching Class Regulation Bill Likely
Apart from this, there are significant bills that are likely to be introduced in this session. A major development will be the long-awaited coaching classes regulation bill. According to the School Education Department,the bill may finally be tabled during this session. The proposal may include rules regarding minimum student strength, safety norms, timings , fees structure and infrastructure requirements for coaching institutes across the state.
Meanwhile, the government will table supplementary demands for the financial year 2026-27 on the start of the session. Provisions for funding the farm loan waiver scheme are expected to be included in these demands. Supplementary demands discussions are likely to set on June 29 and 30.
Appointment of Deputy Chairperson
Finally, the post of Deputy Chairperson is vacant since the former Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe’s term ended last month. The session may again witness Gorhe who has been re-elected to the council, to be believed by the political circles that she may once again be positioned with post.