At the end of three-week winter session Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis established his leadership within BJP-Shiv Sena, sailing the

government through Congress-NCP’s aggression in state legislature assembly and council. The assembly that held 13 sittings striking an

average of 6.40 hours works daily and cleared eleven bills losing only eight hours works in the winter session.

While he sent across a message to the BJP that he was in command when it came to leading the government, thus silencing the doubting

Thomases, opposition were also surprised as he withstood their volleys from state drought to Maratha-Muslim reservation controversy.

The leadership was an issue in the backdrop of growing assertion by seniors like Eknath Khadse, Vinod Tawde, Sudhir Mungantiwar who had in past questioned his merit for chief ministerial post.

What set him apart from the others was the ability to shoulder the responsibilities of entire cabinet ministers representing both Shiv

Sena and BJP who often faulted during question hour, departmental issues and debates in state assembly and council.

Fadnavis whose political acumen was lesser know often turned the tables against the political rivals with indebt replies on every

subject —rural and urban including complex issues of Mumbai. From zero tolerance in crime (home) to housing for all till 2022 (Mumbai slum redevelopment) he replied to all the questions hurled at him by the seasoned Congress and NCP former ministers .

Often he had to step in for other ministers who often were fumbling for answers. Whether it was questions related to water pollution in river Godavari held by Minister of Environment Ramdas Kadam to issues related to ministry of social justice held by Babanrao Lonikar. He even batted for the ministry of power (Chandrashekhar Bawankule) and ministry of social justice Dileep Kamble.

The political heavyweights in the NCP leading with former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse-Patil, Jaidutt

Kshirsagar, Rajesh Tope were always on their toes to corner the government during the entire session. And often several ministers in

the Shiv Sena and BJP appeared on the back-foot ill-prepared being the first session after becoming minister.

In a candid admission, leader of opposition Radhkrishna Vikhe-Patil told Indian Express, “ Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis performance was really good. He appeared well-versed with wide ranging subjects . The oratorical skill coupled with alertness in the house and academic bend of mind worked to his advantage in this session.” However, Vikhe-Patil belives the real test would be the coming budget session from March 9.

According to former Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, “ We believe in playing the constructive opposition. And we also reckon that BJP and Shiv Sena government is just one month old. So, we cannot expect them to be brilliant or well versed on all issues. Despite the short span

Fadnavis showed his merit.” However, Congress and NCP leaders revealed that BJP-Shiv Sena will not be spared in the budget session which would be trial by fire.

Interestingly, throughout the session the NCP appeared more aggressive compared to Congress in the winter session. But on the last day all the senior NCP leaders in assembly had left Nagpur for Mumbai to protest government’s decision to skip Muslim reservation

bill.

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