NAGPUR, NOV 28: It seems that the BJP-Shiv Sena combine is determined to embarrass Maratha war-lord Sharad Pawar on the issue of foreign origin by initiating non-official resolutions in state Legislature as well as in Parliament.The Leader of the Opposition in the state Legislature Council, Nitin Gadkari hinted that a private resolution similar in nature would be initiated by some members in Parliament in the ensuing winter session. He, however, did not disclose the names of the members who had assured him that they would move such a resolution.Gadkari said that he had reminded all NCP MPs by sending letters about their commitment on the foreign origin issue before the electorate and urged them to support such a resolution if it came in Parliament for debate and consideration.The Opposition leader reiterated that the BJP-Sena combine would expose Pawar for his double standards on the issue by initiating a non-official resolution in the coming winter session of state Legislature, beginning here fromDecember 13 next.Reacting to the remarks of Maratha leader, Gadkari said that Pawar's statement that his party would oppose the non-official resolution in Maharashtra state Legislature but support such resolution in Parliament had exposed the hollowness of former defence minister's stand.He said that the Opposition would also grill the Vilasrao Deshmukh government during the winter session for its misleading statements, describing the state as on the verge of bankruptcy.By making such irresponsible statements, both the Chief Minister and his deputy Chhagan Bhujbal had damaged the reputation of Maharashtra, he said.Answering a question, he said that the Opposition would extend all cooperation in finding out an amicable settlement to the indefinite strike of Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) which was causing hardship to the poor patients. He urged the Chief Minister to hold talks with the MARD office-bearers as well as the Opposition parties to end the strike.To a query, Gadkarisaid that BJP-Sena combine would forward its candidate for the election to the post of deputy speaker of state legislative Assembly.He claimed that political climate was favourable for winning the Deputy Speaker's post usually offers to Opposition in the wake of inner- contradictions between the Congress and its ally, NCP.The Congress-NCP refused to oblige the Opposition by offering the post of Deputy Speaker, saying that as it had contested the Speaker's post there should be an election for the post of deputy.Gadkari claimed there was discontent among members of Congress and NCP over the formation of the ministry and distribution of portfolios. Important portfolios in the cabinet had gone to ministers from western Maharashtra much to the disadvantage of the backward regions of Vidarbha and Marathwada.The discontent in the ruling coalition partners could burst out into the open any time. The Opposition is expected to en-cash the situation in the election of deputy speaker, he hinted.
