Shiv Sena to move fresh no-trust motion next week

Party plans to tap support from BJP, MNS after flop of earlier motion

Once bitten twice shy. Shiv Sena has decided to bring on board its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and other opposition parties to move a fresh no-confidence motion against the Congress-NCP government. The Sena's move comes a day after its earlier no-confidence lapsed and the announcement in this regard was made by state assembly speaker Dilip Walse-Patil.

Shiv Sena was isolated on its decision to move a no-confidence motion against the state government over the alleged multi-crore irrigation scam, neglect of farmers especially cotton growers, and deteriorating law and order situation. Its over two-decade ally BJP did not agree to extend its support while MNS questioned the timing of the motion.

However, Sena group leader Subhash Desai on Thursday declared that the party would submit a fresh no-confidence motion next week against the government. "We have already held talks with BJP seeking its support and talks are on to must support of other opposition parties. This time around, an attempt will be to bring all opposition parties together."
 
However, Congress and NCP ministers, who did not want to be identified, dared the opposition to bring the motion. NCP minister told Business Standard "The opposition lacks in number and it has no issue as their disruptive tactics is responsible for lack of any serious business in the state legislature. Congress-NCP alliance has sufficient strength and therefore opposition's no confidence motion will be defeated in the legislature."

In the 288-member assembly, Congress has 82 members followed by NCP's 62, BJP's 47, and Shiv Sena's 46. Besides, the Congress-NCP government enjoys support of about 25 independents and smaller parties.