MUMBAI: In a politically significant move, the BJP-led Maha Yuti has decided to fill up 12 vacant seats in the Legislative Council from the Governor’s quota ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra.
The 12 vacancies, which are due to governor’s allocations, have existed since June 2020.
The ruling Maha Yuti Party’s partners – the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP – have begun taking a decision on the issue.
However, it remains to be seen whether the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi will contest it.
The Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled for around September-October and the Maha Yuti wants to complete the elections by August end.
“We want to complete the task of appointing state assembly members from the governor’s quota by August-end before the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect. Besides, there are no Muslims in the council. We want to ensure Muslim representation too,” said a senior Maha Yuti leader.The ratio between the three parties and their allied parties for the 12 seats is being worked out.
Incidentally, on November 6, 2020, the then Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress coalition government led by Uddhav Thackeray had submitted a list of 12 candidates to the Legislative Council from the Governor’s quota to the then Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, but the Governor had put it on hold.
In June 2022, the Thackeray government fell and Eknath Shinde became the chief minister and Devendra Fadnavis became deputy chief minister.
In February 2023, Koshyari was replaced by Ramesh Bais.
In July 2023, Ajit Pawar joined the government as Deputy Chief Minister.
In Maharashtra, the Governor appoints 12 MLCs for a six-year term on the recommendation of the state cabinet.
According to Article 171(5) of the Constitution, “The members appointed by the Governor under clause (e) of subsection (3) shall consist of persons having special knowledge or practical experience in such fields as literature, science, arts, co-operative movement and social service.”
The governor must follow the cabinet’s recommendation, but there is no deadline by which he must approve the nomination.
Now that a new government is in place and a new governor is in office, the cabinet will make new recommendations.
The government has also sought legal advice as several petitions have been filed in the Bombay High Court on the issue.
Published July 15, 2024 13:22 IST
