Maharashtra Assembly Monsoon Session Begins Today Amid Mounting Pressure On Ruling Mahayuti Alliance

Mumbai: As the Maharashtra Legislature’s monsoon session kicks off on Monday, the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, finds itself on the defensive over a series of controversies, from the imposition of Hindi in schools to farmer protests and infrastructure debacles. Despite the numerical strength in the House, the ruling alliance is expected to face intense scrutiny from a reinvigorated opposition over recent political, social and administrative setbacks.

A key flashpoint leading into the session is the backlash against the state government’s decision to introduce Hindi as a compulsory third language from Class 1. Although the government has since rolled back the controversial directive, opposition parties led by Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP) are planning aggressive protests during the session, accusing the government of cultural imposition and neglecting regional identity.

Discontent Among Farmers Over Shaktipeeth Expressway

The Shaktipeeth Expressway project has further fueled discontent. The Rs 20,000 crore mega project, aimed at connecting pilgrimage sites, is facing stiff opposition in Kolhapur and Sangli where local farmers and even ruling party MLAs have expressed anger over land acquisition without consent. The opposition is expected to corner the government on this issue, questioning both the necessity and execution of the project.

Disasters Due To Early Monsoon

The aftermath of unseasonal rain and flooding in cities like Mumbai and Pune, including the tragic collapse of a bridge over the Indrayani river in Talegaon which claimed four lives, has also given the opposition ammunition to slam the government over poor disaster preparedness and failing civic infrastructure.

Compounding the government’s woes is the recent revelation during a visit by the Estimates Committee in Dhule, where unaccounted assets worth crores were reportedly unearthed. Additionally, confusion continues to mar the online admission process for Class 11, with parents and students complaining of technical glitches and mismanagement.

Meanwhile, the suicide case of Vaishnavi Hagawane in Pune has reignited the debate on the mental health crisis among married women and the pressure exerted by their in-laws. The opposition is set to demand accountability and better safeguards for women's welfare.

Funds Diverted For Ladki Bahin Scheme Installments?

The opposition is also expected to raise concerns over the reallocation of funds meant for social welfare schemes like the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' initiative, which allegedly diverted resources from key departments like Social Justice and Tribal Development.

All eyes will be on how Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar navigate this high-pressure session, where even ruling party MLAs are likely to voice concerns, making the monsoon session a politically stormy one.

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