BJP MLA Kalidas Kolambkar is set to take oath as the pro-tem Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today, marking a crucial step ahead of the three-day special session of the state legislature, which begins on December 7.
Kolambkar, a seasoned politician and nine-time MLA, confirmed the development, stating that the swearing-in ceremony will take place at 1 PM at the Raj Bhavan, where Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan will administer the oath.
Representing the Wadala assembly constituency in Mumbai, Kolambkar will oversee key proceedings as the pro-tem Speaker, including administering the oath to 288 newly-elected MLAs and conducting the election for the Assembly Speaker. The Speaker's election is scheduled for December 9, followed by a trust vote for the newly-formed BJP-led Mahayuti government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), secured a landslide victory in the assembly elections held on November 20, winning 230 out of the 288 seats. On December 6, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister, while Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar assumed roles as Deputy Chief Ministers at a grand ceremony at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
The special session is seen as a pivotal moment for the new government, laying the groundwork for the upcoming winter session of the legislature in Nagpur, scheduled from December 16 to 21.
Kolambkar?s appointment as pro-tem Speaker highlights his extensive experience and longstanding presence in Maharashtra's political landscape. His role will be instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition as the assembly prepares for its upcoming legislative responsibilities.
