The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Mahayuti alliance, accusing it of undermining democratic principles and functioning with excessive political arrogance. In a strongly worded editorial published in the party’s mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray camp likened the conduct of the state leadership to that of Duryodhana from the Mahabharata, warning of an eventual downfall driven by ego, reported news agency IANS.
Budget session begins without Leader of Opposition
The editorial, titled “Duryodhana’s Ego: No Need for a Leader of the Opposition!”, coincides with the commencement of the Maharashtra Legislature’s Budget Session, which has begun without the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in both the Assembly and the Legislative Council.
Analogy to Mahabharata highlights ‘erosion of democracy’
Drawing a historical analogy, the piece states that just as Duryodhana refused to grant even “a needlepoint of land” to the Pandavas, the present dispensation is unwilling to provide constitutional space to the opposition. It describes this approach as the “height of ego” and alleges that democratic values are being eroded by individual-centric governance.
The Saamana editorial further questions the sanctity of the legislature, suggesting that it risks being reduced to a “private enterprise of the ruling class” rather than functioning as a temple of democracy. It emphasises that the role of the LoP is not merely symbolic but crucial in representing public concerns and ensuring accountability of the government, reported IANS.
Opposition unity, transparency concerns raised
The Shiv Sena (UBT) also referred to recent political developments at the national level, including tensions involving the Lok Sabha Speaker and opposition efforts to move a no-confidence motion. It alleged that attempts are being made to weaken opposition unity, particularly by isolating the Congress and creating divisions within the INDIA bloc, reported IANS.
At the state level, the editorial accused the Mahayuti government of evading scrutiny by sidelining the opposition. It raised concerns over what it described as “clean chits” given in certain political cases and questioned the transparency surrounding key issues, including infrastructure projects and the functioning of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). According to the party, the absence of a strong LoP allows such matters to go unchecked, reported IANS.
Delay in local polls, boycott of tea meet criticised
The piece also criticised the delay in conducting local body elections and the continued appointment of administrators to run municipal corporations, alleging that these moves signal a drift towards authoritarian governance.
Reiterating its political stand, the editorial justified the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) decision to boycott the customary tea meeting hosted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ahead of the session. It stated that raising a voice against alleged irregularities was more important than participating in symbolic gestures.
Concluding on a cautionary note, the editorial warned that “ego is the root of destruction,” invoking the fate of Duryodhana as a reminder. It asserted that operating a legislature without a Leader of the Opposition amounts to a serious blow to democratic functioning and accountability, reported IANS.
(With inputs from IANS)
