Manisha Kayande and Chitra Wagh, prominent leaders of their respective parties, expressed gratitude after being appointed Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) by the Governor of Maharashtra. Their appointments reflect the faith their parties have in them and their contributions to their fields.
Manisha Kayande, a Shiv Sena leader, took the opportunity to thank Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and her party colleagues for their support and encouragement.
In her message, she acknowledged the role of the Shiv Sena in her political journey and expressed gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for their trust. She also emphasised the significance of the Governor's quota, which is meant to recognize individuals from diverse backgrounds who have excelled in their respective fields.
Kayande, who holds a Ph.D. in zoology and has served as an associate professor in the subject, reflected on how her educational background may have influenced the decision to appoint her as an MLC. Her academic achievements, combined with her political work, have made her a valued member of her party and the broader political landscape of the state.
Similarly, Chitra Kishor Wagh, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed her delight at being appointed to the legislative council. She conveyed deep appreciation for her party’s confidence in her abilities.
Wagh has been with the BJP for five years and acknowledged that within this short span, the party had given her significant responsibilities and an influential platform. This, she said, was one of the happiest moments of her life.
Wagh's optimism for the future of the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra was clear as she highlighted the positive feedback her party has been receiving ahead of the upcoming elections.
The swearing-in ceremony for the seven MLCs appointed by the Governor took place at Vidhan Bhavan. Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, administered the oath. These appointments come at a time when political tensions are building in Maharashtra, with upcoming elections drawing near.
Meanwhile, the issue surrounding the vacant posts of 12 MLCs, also appointed by the Governor, remains unresolved. A case regarding the matter is currently pending in the High Court, and a decision is expected soon. The court recently completed its hearing on a petition filed by Sunil Modi, the Shiv Sena UBT Kolhapur chief, and has reserved its verdict.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra gears up for assembly elections later this year, attention is focused on the two main alliances competing for power. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP, and the Congress, will face off against the MahaYuti Alliance. The latter includes the BJP, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP.
With the Election Commission of India expected to announce the dates for the assembly polls soon, the stage is set for a fierce contest between the two coalitions. Both the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the MahaYuti Alliance are preparing for what is likely to be a high-stakes election in the state.
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