Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kalidas Kolambkar has expressed his readiness to take on the role of Pro-Tem Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, provided that his party decides to entrust him with the responsibility. In an interview on Tuesday, Kolambkar stated that while no official name has been finalized for the position yet, he is prepared to step up if called upon.
Speaking to ANI in Mumbai, Kolambkar said, “With the grace of God, I believe that everything will be okay. No name has been finalized till now. Yes, I will take responsibility, if the party agrees to it. I can do the batting.” His remarks come at a crucial time as the Maharashtra Assembly prepares for a floor test to determine the majority of the government led by BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis.
Role of the Pro-Tem Speaker in Maharashtra Politics
The Pro-Tem Speaker is a temporary role in the legislative process, but it holds significant importance in the context of political events unfolding in Maharashtra. The Pro-Tem Speaker’s primary duty is to administer the oath of office to all newly-elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This position, while temporary, can also oversee the crucial floor test, where the newly-formed government has to prove its majority in the Assembly.
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari is expected to appoint the Pro-Tem Speaker soon, and Kolambkar’s name has emerged as a potential candidate. If chosen, he will have the responsibility of guiding the newly-elected MLAs through the oath-taking process and potentially presiding over the floor test—a critical moment in the state’s political trajectory.
Floor Test Ordered by Supreme Court
The political situation in Maharashtra has been tumultuous in recent days. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister on November 23, 2019, after the BJP claimed it had the support needed to form the government. However, this was immediately challenged by opposition parties, leading to a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court ordered that a floor test be conducted in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly before 5 p.m. on November 27, 2019. The floor test is a constitutional process that requires the chief minister to demonstrate that they have the support of a majority of the MLAs in the Assembly.
Kolambkar’s potential role as Pro-Tem Speaker could place him in the middle of these proceedings, making his position pivotal for determining the future of the Fadnavis-led government.
Political Career of Kalidas Kolambkar
Kalidas Kolambkar is a seasoned politician who has been an active participant in Maharashtra’s political landscape for decades. Initially a member of the Shiv Sena, Kolambkar switched allegiance to the BJP in the run-up to the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections. He contested the elections on a BJP ticket and won, securing a place in the Legislative Assembly.
Known for his straightforward approach and experience in handling legislative matters, Kolambkar is viewed as a strong candidate for the Pro-Tem Speaker post. His ability to manage proceedings in the Assembly and maintain decorum during critical sessions has earned him respect from various political quarters.
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Kolambkar’s readiness to take on this responsibility comes at a time when political tension in Maharashtra is at its peak. If appointed, he would oversee the swearing-in ceremony of all the newly-elected MLAs and potentially guide the Assembly through the crucial floor test.
Future Implications for Maharashtra Politics
The upcoming floor test is expected to have a significant impact on Maharashtra’s political landscape. If the Fadnavis government fails to prove its majority, it could lead to a shift in power, with opposition parties—including the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress—attempting to form a coalition government.
Kolambkar’s potential appointment as Pro-Tem Speaker would therefore be a critical factor in these proceedings. His role would be instrumental in ensuring that the floor test is conducted fairly and transparently, in line with the constitutional norms set by the Supreme Court.
As the state awaits the Governor’s decision on the appointment of the Pro-Tem Speaker and the results of the floor test, Kolambkar’s readiness to accept the role, should his party decide, adds another layer of complexity to an already charged political environment. With Maharashtra’s future governance hanging in the balance, all eyes are on the upcoming Assembly proceedings and the outcomes that will shape the state’s political destiny.
