By: Express News ServiceMumbai | Updated: December 6, 2025 04:31 PM IST 3 min readSpeaking to reporters after the induction of several former corporators as well as NCP and BJP functionaries into the party in Mumbai and its suburbs, Thackeray said the absence of an LoP was a blow to democracy (File Photo)Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray demanded Saturday that the ruling Mahayuti government immediately appoint a Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and said it was the first time in the state’s history that both Houses were functioning without one.Speaking to reporters after the induction of several former corporators as well as NCP and BJP functionaries into the party in Mumbai and its suburbs, Thackeray said the absence of an LoP was a blow to democracy. He demanded that the deputy chief minister posts, which have no constitutional basis, be scrapped if the government is trying to give legal reasons for not appointing an LoP.“The government seems to be afraid of the Opposition… We had asked for the post in the very first Assembly session. Now a year has passed, but it has still not been given… All they have done is issue advertisements and statements… To keep democracy alive, both Houses must immediately have a Leader of Opposition,” he stated.Thackeray also criticised the ruling coalition for internal conflicts. “The three parties in the Mahayuti have different names and symbols, but their real master is the same. The BJP’s ‘anaconda’ strategy is swallowing its allies — the Shinde faction and the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) — without leaving a trace,” he said.He accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of controlling key decisions of coalition partners. “Even though the parties appear different, they function as BJP’s B-team. The anaconda experience is now coming to them,” Thackeray said.The Sena (UBT) chief also expressed his concern over voters’ lists ahead of the upcoming second phase of the local body elections in the state. The Supreme Court has directed the state to hold nagar panchayat, municipal council, zilla parishad, and municipal corporation elections by January 31. “There are massive anomalies in the voters’ lists in Mumbai and other cities. No one is addressing it. The Supreme Court should step in,” he said.Thackeray also criticised the state government’s handling of relief for farmers affected by heavy rainfall. “The government delayed sending proposals to the Centre. Only in late November was a proposal sent. When will the money reach farmers? The Chief Minister has said nothing.” He thanked the Union Agriculture Minister for exposing the government’s shortcomings, saying it highlighted the administration’s failures.Story continues below this adThackeray took a swipe at the government for “trying to capture elections” instead of focusing on governance. “Earlier, such conflicts happened in other states with violence. Today, instead of capturing booths, they are trying to capture the entire election. This is not in the public interest,” he said.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd