As Maharashtra’s monsoon session of the legislature begins on Monday, the ruling Mahayuti alliance led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is bracing for fierce opposition fire over a slew of controversies that have put the government on the back foot. Despite its comfortable majority, the coalition is expected to face a combative opposition attacking its policy missteps, public resentment, and administrative lapses.
A major flashpoint heading into the session is the government’s now-withdrawn decision to enforce Hindi as a mandatory third language from Class 1 onward. Although the directive was quickly scrapped after a public backlash, the move triggered accusations of cultural imposition and disregard for Marathi identity. The opposition, spearheaded by Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP), plans to target the ruling benches over what it calls “deliberate neglect” of regional culture.
Anger is also building over the ambitious Shaktipeeth Expressway, a Rs 20,000-crore project designed to link major pilgrimage centers across the state. In Kolhapur and Sangli, local farmers — along with some disgruntled ruling-party legislators — have raised serious objections to land acquisition procedures, claiming their consent was ignored. The opposition is expected to hammer the government on both the necessity and the execution of this mega project.
Infrastructure failures have only deepened the administration’s troubles. Unseasonal rains recently caused widespread flooding in Mumbai and Pune, exposing glaring gaps in disaster preparedness. The collapse of a bridge over the Indrayani river in Talegaon, which killed four people, has been highlighted by the opposition as a tragic example of neglect in maintaining vital civic infrastructure.
Adding to the embarrassment for the Mahayuti, an Estimates Committee visit to Dhule uncovered unaccounted assets worth several crores, raising fresh questions about transparency and accountability in government departments.
The education sector, too, is facing scrutiny. The ongoing confusion around the Class 11 online admission process has left parents and students frustrated, with repeated technical glitches and complaints of chaotic mismanagement.
Beyond policy and infrastructure, a deeply troubling social issue is also expected to echo through the session halls: the death by suicide of Vaishnavi Hagawane in Pune. The case has triggered debate over mental health support for married women and the societal pressures placed on them by their in-laws. Opposition leaders are likely to push for stronger protections and welfare measures for women facing domestic abuse and psychological stress.
Another contentious issue set to dominate discussions is the alleged diversion of funds from social welfare programs. Opposition parties claim money meant for initiatives such as the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme was improperly reallocated from critical departments like Social Justice and Tribal Development, further hurting vulnerable communities.
