Maharashtra Assembly Session: Uddhav’s Shiv Sena Boycotts Oath-Taking Over EVM Concerns

Political tensions flared in Maharashtra as members of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena boycotted the assembly's oath-taking session, citing doubts over the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The legislators from Shiv Sena (UBT) and other Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) parties staged a walkout during the special three-day assembly session, refusing to take their oaths. Aditya Thackeray accused the ruling alliance of not having a genuine public mandate and expressed concerns over the electoral process.

The assembly session started with the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, among others. Pro-tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar conducted the oath-taking ceremonies. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) and MVA members said that the manipulation of EVMs was done to undermine the results of the election and termed the mandate questionable. Thackeray pointed out the fact that there was no celebration in Maharashtra after the win of the alliance as an example of public dissatisfaction.

Ajit Pawar Hits Back

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar criticized the opposition’s walkout, stating that such actions serve no purpose. He urged them to address their grievances through the Election Commission or the courts, rather than disrupting proceedings. Pawar remarked, “This is the first time I’ve seen such a reaction. If they have concerns, legal channels are available. Walking out won’t change anything.”

The walkout comes after the Maha Yuti alliance secured a significant victory in the November 23 election results, winning 230 out of 288 seats. Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister on December 5, marking the start of the new government amidst heightened political drama.