The statement of BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh has come to light amid the ongoing turmoil in Maharashtra politics. On one hand, he has welcomed the MPs of opposition parties to join the NDA to strengthen the central government, while on the other hand, he has raised questions on the need to include opposition MLAs in the ruling grand alliance in the state. He says that inclusion of more MLAs may cause injustice to the existing MLAs of the ruling coalition.
BJP MLA from Savner Assembly seat in Nagpur district, Ashish Deshmukh, said on Monday that opposition MPs can join the NDA for a strong Centre, but there is no need to include opposition MLAs in the ruling ‘Mahayuti’ alliance in Maharashtra. He said that Mahayuti already has two-third majority in the state assembly. In such a situation, inclusion of opposition MLAs may weaken the position of the existing MLAs.
Came amid rebellion of UBT MPs
This statement of Ashish Deshmukh has come at a time when 6 out of 9 Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) have rebelled, and 3 of them have also confirmed to join the ruling Shiv Sena led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
‘Is there a need for opposition MLAs?’
Deshmukh said that the central government will be strengthened by the switching of opposition Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members. He said that he welcomes this step of the MPs because we need a strong center to pass many important bills. But he also asked the question whether we really need opposition MLAs in Maharashtra?
‘Already more than two-thirds majority’
He said the grand alliance, which includes BJP, Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Sunetra Pawar-led NCP, already has 237 MLAs in the 288-member state assembly. He said that the Maharashtra government already has more than two-thirds majority. He said, ‘Even if the opposition MLAs are eager to join the grand alliance, we have to decide whether we really need more MLAs, because the existing MLAs are enough and capable.’
‘Injustice may be done to the sitting MLAs’
Deshmukh said that inclusion of more MLAs may cause injustice to the existing MLAs of the ruling coalition. He said, ‘I request all the leaders of Mahayuti to reconsider this strategy of including opposition MLAs in the ruling alliance.’
Deputy CM Shinde gave indications
In fact, recently Deputy CM Shinde had indicated that more opposition leaders may join his party. Addressing Shiv Sena’s foundation day rally on Friday, Shinde said, ‘This is just a trailer, the film is not finished yet. Two of the six Lok Sabha members of Shiv Sena (UBT) have already said that they are joining Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The remaining 4 have maintained silence.
Who is Ashish Deshmukh?
Ashish Deshmukh, who belongs to a prominent political family of Vidarbha region, had won the 2024 assembly elections by defeating the Congress candidate from Savner seat. His father Ranjit Deshmukh has been the President of Maharashtra Congress, while his uncle Anil Deshmukh of NCP (SP) was the Home Minister of Maharashtra during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
Ashish Deshmukh joined the BJP ahead of the 2014 assembly elections and defeated his uncle Anil Deshmukh from the Katol seat in Nagpur district. He returned to the Congress and contested the 2019 assembly elections against then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but was expelled from the party due to his statements against Rahul Gandhi. After this he again joined BJP, which fielded him from Savner in the 2024 assembly elections. This seat has been a stronghold of Congress since 2004.
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