Maharashtra: Senior BJP MLA Kalidas Kolambkar Sworn In As Pro-Tem Speaker Of State Assembly

Mumbai: Senior BJP MLA Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday took oath as pro-tem speaker of the Maharashtra legislative assembly, a day ahead of the special session of the newly-elected house. Kolambkar, a nine-time MLA, was sworn in by Governor CP Radhakrishnan at a brief ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.

Representing Mumbai's Wadala constituency, Kolambkar is a senior member of the newly-elected House. As pro-tem speaker, a temporary position, he will oversee the swearing-in of 288 newly-elected MLAs and manage the initial proceedings of the assembly.

Kolambkar will also preside over the election of a permanent speaker during the three-day special session of the 15th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, which begins on December 7. The election for the regular speaker is set for December 9, followed by a trust vote for the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe, and Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik.

Kolambkar said, “I was asked by my party to take an oath. The party will decide whether to continue me as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or not. I have expressed my wish to be the Speaker of the 15th Assembly, to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.”