Maharashtra Budget Session Begins Without LoPs in Both Houses

• Maharashtra's Budget Session starts with no Leader of Opposition (LoP) in both the assembly and legislative council, a first in state history.
• Opposition MVA calls it a "threat to democratic norms" and a "blot on democracy," weakening checks and balances.
• No single opposition party met the 10% strength rule for LoP recognition after the 2024 Assembly elections.
• Shiv Sena (UBT) with 20 MLAs was denied LoP, despite past instances of parties with fewer MLAs getting the post.
• Congress MLC Pradnya Satav's resignation and defection to BJP reduced Congress's strength in the Council, making their LoP claim untenable.