Maharashtra: Sena, Congress allege bias as BJP wins trust vote

The Congress and Shiv Sena on Wednesday alleged that Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde was biased towards the BJP during the confidence motion held earlier in the day, even as he ruled out the division of votes.

Former state chief minister Prithviraj Chavan termed the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government as 'illegitimate', adding that the Congress will meet the Governor to demand another round of trust vote.

"We strongly condemn the decision by the Speaker not to hold another vote. This is an illegitimate government. It is a black day for Maharashtra's democracy. We will demand another round of trust vote," Chavan told reporters here.

Congress leader Manikrao Thakre also threatened that his party won't let the Maharashtra Assembly function.

Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam added that his party will speak to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on whether they can work on getting a motion against the Speaker.

"On the first day, the Assembly did not work according to the rules. We will speak to the NCP on whether we can work on getting a motion against the Speaker. We will also go to the Governor," said Kadam.

The Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government won the vote of confidence in the Maharashtra state assembly through a voice vote today.

BJP leader and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that the trust vote reflected the mandate of the people of Maharashtra.

"The mandate of the people of Maharashtra has been reflected. The vote of strength proves that the government should go ahead and fulfill the wishes of the people of Maharashtra," said Rudy.