Another no-confidence move, and another rift between BJP, Sena

Sena wants another no-confidence motion next week, BJP for a 'symbolic' one on last day

After the Shiv Sena's no-confidence motion fizzled out this week, ally BJP has decided to move a "symbolic" no-confidence motion against the Democratic Front government on December 21, the last day of the two-week Nagpur winter session .

This again brought differences between the Opposition allies to the surface, with the Shiv Sena keen on cornering the government with a no-confidence motion on Monday when the session resumes after the weekend break, but the BJP argued that numbers being in favour of the government, it would only be a symbolic gesture and not a serious effort to dislodge the government and the Opposition should instead raise issues in the House to bring out the failures of the government, a line of thought that the Opposition MNS reflected.

"Technically, the Opposition should have brought the no confidence motion as the first one lapsed even before it was taken up for consideration," sources in the Sena said.

Sena House leader in the Assembly Subash Desai met with Leader of the Opposition in Assembly Eknath Khadse of the BJP to sort out the matter. The BJP found itself in a dilemma with the Sena insisting on a no-confidence motion next week and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) not in favour of it.

The BJP finally prevailed over the Sena. A BJP leader said, "It would have been a futile exercise as Congress and NCP together with Independents have majority in the Assembly. Instead, the Opposition should hold discussions on wide-ranging issues next week to expose the Prithviraj Chavan-led government. On the last day of the session, the no-confidence motion should be moved to symbolically express disappointment over the government functioning."

MNS leader in the state assembly Bal Nandgaonkar said, "I don't think it is the right time to move a no-confidence motion. What is the point when the Congress and NCP are in majority? Instead, we should raise public issues and expose the government."

... contd.

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