Mumbai: Ahead of the presidential election in the country, there is a buzz in the state political circles that the chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis has managed to convince around 12 to 13 MLAs attached to the opposition parties to vote for Ram Nath Kovind, the NDA’s presidential candidate. If this happens to be true, the move is likely to shake up the political power structure in the state.
Independent MLA Ravi Rana, who is considered to be the CM’s close confidant, is said to have claimed of the possibility of cross voting in favour of Kovind. It is believed that Mr Rana, an independent MLA from Vadnera, Amravati, is believed to be in talks with the MLAs attached to the opposition parties.
“There are about 12 to 13 MLAs who are in touch with us. They are likely to vote for the NDA’s candidate. This election will prove that even opposition MLAs are not supportive of their leaders,” said a senior leader close to these developments.
This has forced the opposition parties, especially Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to go into a preventive mode. If the rumours happen to be true, this move will also help the CM prove his ability of playing ‘politricks’ to achieve his goal.
Shiv Sena, a close ally of BJP in Maharashtra having announced its support for Kovind, has made it clear that the ruling party of the state has comfortably more numbers than the opposition in the state.
BJP has been trying to weaken the strength of the opposition parties for a while now. In fact, it had opened the door to many leaders attached to other parties during the recent local body elections. But, picking up individual MLAs is a very politically sensitive move, as it would further damage the opposition’s credentials in the public sphere. Taking note of the impact of this move, Congress and NCP parties are said to have started calling their MLAs to ensure their support.
BHUJBAL WILL BE IN SPOTLIGHT
All eyes will be on incarcerated NCP MLA Chhagan Bhujbal, who has been allowed to vote in the polls. Mr Bhujbal will come to Vidhan Bhavan for the first time after being arrested in March 2016. As an NCP MLA, Mr Bhujbal writes regularly to the CM and other important dignitaries with comments on current issues. He has reportedly suggested amendments in the Governor’s speech before both the houses of legislations in March.
