Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said today that MLAs from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will boycott the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected state assembly. alleging tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs).

“Today we have decided that our winning MLA will not take oath today. We have doubts about EMV, we are not taking oath today in protest. Democracy is being murdered,” Mr Thackeray said. 

The move comes amid a special three-day session of the newly constituted 288-member Maharashtra legislative assembly, which began today. The session, overseen by pro-tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar, includes the oath administration for MLAs, the election of the assembly Speaker, a trust vote for the new government, and an address by the Governor. Mr Kolambkar, a senior BJP MLA, was appointed pro-tem Speaker by Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Friday.

“The results have raised questions, the entire process seems tainted. People are unhappy, and something appears wrong,” alleged Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar.
 

Maharashtra’s opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) boycotted the assembly’s oath-taking ceremony, alleging EVM misuse during the recent elections. Aaditya Thackeray questioned the public’s lack of celebratory response to the results, expressing doubts about the mandate’s authenticity. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar advised the opposition to address their concerns to the Election Commission or the court. CM Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar took their oaths, preceded by tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Mamata Banerjee’s willingness to lead the INDIA bloc sparked mixed reactions. While Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed support, Congress questioned her national standing. BJP highlighted the internal discord, labeling the opposition as a group united only against PM Modi. TMC emphasized Banerjee’s successful track record against BJP in West Bengal.