Tue Dec 17 16:49:02 UTC 2024: ## BJP’s Ram Shinde to Head Maharashtra Legislative Council

**Mumbai, December 18, 2024** – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ram Shinde is set to become the new Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Mr. Shinde, a member of the Dhangar community from Ahilyanagar, announced his intention to file his nomination on Wednesday.

The appointment is seen as a significant move by the BJP to bolster its support among the Dhangar community, a key voting bloc currently classified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) but seeking inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.

Mr. Shinde, who served as an MLA from 2014 to 2019, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other NDA leaders for their support. He lost his MLA seat in 2019 and again in this year’s Assembly elections, but subsequently became an MLC.

The Chairperson’s position has been vacant since 2022. Mr. Shinde’s ascension will give the BJP control of both the Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council Chairperson positions, further strengthening their hold on Maharashtra’s legislature.

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