Synopsis
Anna Bansode from the NCP has been elected unopposed as the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, with no opposition nominee presented. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis moved the motion, supported by other leaders, marking a significant moment in the state's political landscape.Key Takeaways
- Anna Bansode elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker.
- Support from Chief Minister and Deputy CMs.
- First unopposed election in recent times.
- Significant support from the Opposition.
- Bansode's political journey includes multiple assembly elections.
Mumbai, March 26 (NationPress) The NCP representative from the Pimpri Assembly constituency, Anna Bansode, was elected unopposed as the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, as the Opposition failed to nominate a candidate.
Bansode becomes the 22nd Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis initiated the motion for Bansode's election.
Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar also supported the motion, which was seconded by Chandrakant Patil, the Minister of Legislative Affairs.
Subsequently, Speaker Rahul Narvekar conducted a vote on the motion and declared the unanimous election of Bansode.
The CM, alongside both Dy CMs and members of the Opposition, escorted Bansode to his position near the Opposition benches, extending congratulations.
In his address, CM Fadnavis congratulated Bansode on his unopposed election and expressed gratitude to the Opposition for their support in not nominating a candidate.
“Thanks to the Constitution of India, a tea seller has ascended to the role of Prime Minister, and now a paan seller has become the Deputy Speaker of this esteemed House,” he remarked, emphasizing that Bansode will fulfill his responsibilities impartially and in accordance with the House’s traditions.
Both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar also congratulated Bansode on this achievement.
Bansode began his political career as a corporator and later served as the standing committee chairman of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. He was subsequently elected from the Pimpri Assembly seat in the elections of 2009, 2019, and 2024.
On Tuesday, he submitted his nomination to the legislative secretary, in the presence of Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Chandrakant Patil, and Uday Samant, the industry minister.
Nominations were accepted until 12 pm on Wednesday, but the Opposition did not present any candidates.
The NCP had considered nominating legislator Rajkumar Badola for the position but ultimately chose Bansode, taking into account the upcoming elections for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
Bansode, a close associate of Ajit Pawar, joined him following the NCP split in July 2023.
Though he did not secure a ministerial position, Bansode has been personally selected by Ajit Pawar and will hold ministerial status.
As part of an agreement among the MahaYuti coalition partners, the BJP and Shiv Sena allocated the Deputy Speaker’s position to the NCP.
