BJP Wins Confidence Motion In Maharashtra Amid Controversy Over Voice Vote

The BJP government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis won the confidence motion in the Maharashtra Assembly today, though amid controversy.

Shiv Sena, which opposed the trust vote, and the Congress have protested against the Speaker Haribhau Bagde's decision hold a voice vote. They have demanded a fresh confidence motion through a division vote, in which legislators press buttons on a voting machine to record their votes. Both the parties will now approach the governor on the issue.

"It is a black day for democracy...There should be another confidence vote, the BJP government should prove their majority," said Congress leader Prithiviraj Chavan, calling it an "illegitimate government."

Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam alleged the BJP of betraying the people of Maharashtra. "BJP government has betrayed the trust of the people of Maharashtra. You have to prove majority. I appeal to Congress to appeal against this confidence vote together," he said.

As per convention, a division of votes is held when demanded by the opposition.