Opposition MPs take oath on second day of extraordinary session

MUMBAI: A majority of opposition MLAs took oath on Sunday.
President of the Protem Kalidas Kolambkar said about eight MPs have yet to be sworn in. “They will take oath on Monday morning,” he said, adding that the CPN (SP) MP would take oath first.
A three-day extraordinary legislative session is being held in Mumbai to administer oath to the 288 newly elected MLAs. There are 46 opposition MPs.
Opposition MLAs entered the hall of Vidhan Bhavan with a banner saying ‘I love Markadwadi’.
Congress MP Amin Patel from Mumbadevi assembly constituency said a conscious decision was taken to highlight what was happening in Markadwadi village in Solapur district and hence they did not participate in the oath-taking exercise on Saturday.
“We accept the mandate of the people to sit in opposition. We will raise the issue of the people both inside and outside the Assembly,” he said.
Anant Nar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs from Jogeshwari East assembly constituency said Saturday was a symbolic protest in support of Markadwadi villagers who were prevented from voting through ballot papers .
“Aditya Thackeray had already clarified our position on Saturday,” he said.
Jitendra Awhad, NCP (SP) MLA from Mumbra assembly constituency, said that except senior leader Jayant Patil, all others had taken oath. “He is in Markadwadi today and hence cannot be present in the House. He will take oath whenever he is given a slot,” Awhad said.
Opposition MPs said they would be present in the assembly when BJP MP Narwekar is appointed Speaker on Monday. Narwekar was the only MP to file a nomination for the post.
Kolambkar said once all MPs take oath, the House will be briefly adjourned. Thereafter, Narwekar will be escorted to the President’s chair by the CM.
Meanwhile, Dy CM Eknath Shinde, speaking to media at Vidhan Bhavan, said the opposition should stop complaining and talk about development.
“The opposition should welcome the clear mandate given by the people of Maharashtra. This is the result of the implemented social protection programs and development efforts over the past two and a half years. There were elections in Jharkhand, Priyanka Gandhi was elected, and in Nanded, the Congress won. When they win, EVM is good. If the SC gives a verdict in their favor, then good. If this goes against them…this has been going on for a few years. They should stop this,” he said.
Shinde said that in the Vidhan Sabha elections, Mahayuti got 49.30 per cent votes and 3.18 cr votes while Maha Vikas Aghadi got 2.35 crore votes, a difference of one crore voice. There should be a proper analysis, he said.