Priyanka Tiwari
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The recent Maharashtra Budget Session, held over the past three weeks, became a stage for political theatrics, communal controversies, and historical debates, allowing the Mahayuti government to evade serious discussions on core governance issues like inflation, unemployment, and policy delivery.
Historical Controversies Take Center Stage
The session kicked off on March 3, following a controversial statement by the Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra chief praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This led to a major uproar, culminating in his suspension and two criminal cases filed against him.
Cabinet minister Nitesh Rane added fuel to the fire by claiming that Shivaji's army had no Muslims, sparking a rebuttal from Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Prominent historians, including Indrajit Sawant, were also drawn into the storm, with one journalist, Prashant Koratkar, arrested for threats and derogatory remarks.
Demands by saffron organizations to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb near Sambhajinagar further intensified the situation, leading to protests and, eventually, a riot in Nagpur. The violence left several injured, one dead, and numerous vehicles torched.
The riot in Nagpur—a city typically free of communal clashes and home to both CM Devendra Fadnavis’ constituency and the RSS headquarters—became an embarrassment for the government, particularly with Fadnavis also serving as Home Minister.
Disha Salian Case Reignited
The long-closed Disha Salian case resurfaced as her father filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, alleging murder and implicating Aditya Thackeray, Suraj Pancholi, and others in a cover-up. This led to loud demands in the Assembly by ruling party MLAs seeking Thackeray’s resignation.
Despite repeated claims by Nitesh Rane of possessing evidence of murder, he has yet to submit anything to investigative agencies like the CBI or SIT.
Multiple Flashpoints: From Halal Meat to Comedian Kamra
Rane also stirred controversy by urging people to avoid halal meat and instead consume "Malhar-certified" meat—a remark that hurt religious sentiments and created another storm.
Towards the end of the session, attention shifted to comedian Kunal Kamra, who faced legal action over a satirical video mocking Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Shiv Sena workers responded by demolishing the Habitat hall where the video was reportedly shot.
Real Issues Lost in the Noise
Amid these controversies, the resignation of Minister Dhananjay Munde over a murder case and corruption allegations went under the radar. Likewise, the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which promised an increase in benefit payouts, saw no provision in the budget—contrary to Mahayuti’s pre-election promises. Ajit Pawar, who also holds the Finance portfolio, denied making any such pledge.
No Leader of Opposition in Assembly
Despite being the largest opposition party, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s proposal to appoint Bhaskar Jadhav as Leader of Opposition was left unresolved, leaving the Vidhan Sabha without formal opposition leadership during the entire session.
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