Assembly to elect new Speaker; rift over voting
The Hindu
BJP for secret ballot, MVA open vote
Months after the post of Speaker fell vacant following resignation by Nana Patole – who went on to become the State Congress chief – the Maharashtra Assembly will elect a new Speaker in the winter session starting on Wednesday.
The selection process is, however, unlikely to go smoothly as the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is insistent on secret ballot while the ruling coalition want open vote.
The rules committee of the Assembly has already passed a resolution to change the existing rule of secret ballot for Speaker’s election. On Wednesday, it will be placed in front of the House for sanction, where the BJP is likely to oppose the move. Once cleared, the process for seeking nominations will begin and election could be held on December 23 or 24.
The event will run daily from 10 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., offering a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy dance and music performances, hands-on art experiences, film screenings, and exhibitions from 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. These will feature folk cuisines, leather puppets, philately, textiles, and handicrafts.