Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan is likely to be the most preferred candidate for the post of Speaker of State Assembly. Chavan is also former Union Minister in Manmohan Singh Government.
With the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi changing rules to prefer voice voting, Chavan is sure to get elected. The voice voting has been preferred to prevent cross voting by disgruntled members from any party of the ruling alliance.
The election of the Speaker will be held on December 28, the last date of the winter session of the State Legislature.
Bharatiya Janata Party has been demanding secret ballot voting for the election. The BJP leaders have also charged MVA of lack of confidence in their own party members.
A letter to the Governor has been sent for announcing the election schedule. Nominations will be filed on December 27 and election to be held on December 28.