Kalidas Kolambkar Sworn in as Pro-Tem Speaker Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly's Special Session

Senior BJP leader and nine-time MLA Kalidas Kolambkar was sworn in as the pro-tem speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Friday. The ceremony, held at Raj Bhavan, was officiated by Governor CP Radhakrishnan, marking a key procedural step ahead of the special session of the newly-elected legislative house.

Representing Mumbai's Wadala constituency, Kolambkar will oversee the swearing-in of 288 newly-elected MLAs and manage the initial proceedings of the assembly. His duties as pro-tem speaker will also include presiding over the election of the permanent speaker during the three-day special session of the 15th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, which begins on December 7. The election for the speaker is scheduled for December 9, followed by a trust vote for the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government.

The oath-taking event saw the presence of key dignitaries, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe, and Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik.

“I was asked by my party to take the oath. The decision to continue me as Speaker lies with the party. However, I have expressed my desire to serve as the Speaker of the 15th Assembly to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,” said Kolambkar after the ceremony.

Political Appointments amid Assembly Preparations

In a series of key announcements ahead of the session, Maha Vikas Aghadi’s Shiv Sena (UBT) confirmed Aaditya Thackeray as its Legislature Party leader. Bhaskar Jadhav has been appointed as the party's leader in the Legislative Assembly, with Sunil Prabhu taking charge as the chief whip.

The Nationalist Congress Party’s (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA from Mumbra, Jitendra Awhad, has been named as the party's legislative leader, while Rohit Patil has been designated as the chief whip. Senior MLA Uttam Jankar will serve as another whip for the party.

In contrast, the Congress party, facing one of its most significant electoral defeats, has yet to nominate a legislative group leader. Despite a recent meeting of newly-elected MLAs in Mumbai, the party failed to arrive at a consensus. Instead, they authorized All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge to make the decision.

Party insiders have revealed strong support for Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Nana Patole. Known for his vocal criticism of alleged EVM tampering, Patole remains a key contender for the leadership role. However, the final decision is awaited, leaving the party in a state of uncertainty as the special session approaches. The Congress now faces the challenge of navigating this leadership vacuum, especially after the losses of prominent figures such as Prithviraj Chavan in Karad (South) and Balasaheb Thorat in Sangamner, adding to the party's woes.
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