Fadnavis accuses Maharashtra govt of locking up democracy; says only differences of opinion with Shiv Sena, no enmity

MUMBAI: On the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature, opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis accused the MVA government of locking up democracy. "This government is doing exactly what happened during the emergency," he said.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Dadar on Sunday, Fadnavis said the monsoon session is only for two days and only a few Bills, supplementary demands and obituaries are to be allowed.
"Ever since this government came to power, there have been seven legislative sessions for a total of 36 days and if the monsoon session is included it will be 38 days as against 69 days of Parliament. Parliamentary tools such as Question Hour, Calling Attention Motion will not be allowed during the session. As a responsible opposition we are raising the people's issues but this government under the guise of pandemic is running away from addressing them. There is rampant corruption across government departments and they are ensuring they do not have to answer for it," said Fadnavis.
If the opposition is not allowed to raise issues in the legislature like reservation for Marathas and Other Backward Communities, farmers' issues, MPSC pass students committing suicide, scams in government, Fadnavis said the opposition will highlight it on the streets, in the media and will go to the people. "Then do not blame us for holding agitations," he said.
On secret talks being held between the BJP and its estranged partner the Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said he was unaware of any meeting between BJP MLA Ashish Shelar and Sena MP Sanjay Raut.
“There has been no formal meeting between the BJP-Shiv Sena. There are differences of opinion between us but no enmity. The fight happened because they (Sena) went with those against whom we had fought the elections.”
He said the elections for the speaker's post are unlikely to be held as there are differences within the government on whom to appoint.