Dilip Walse-Patil may be Maharashtra assembly speaker

Senior NCP leader Dilip Walse-Patil is among the front runners for the post of Maharashtra assembly speaker, party sources said.

"Walse-Patil and present speaker Kupekar are in the race for the Speaker's post in the 12th Assembly," the sources told PTI.

Walse-Patil's non-inclusion in the state cabinet sworn in yesterday is being considered an indication that he may occupy the Speakers post, sources said.

Kupekar, senior NCP leader, has also expressed his desire to continue in the post, sources said but added that his continuation may not be that easy.

Walse-Patil was finance minister in the outgoing government and had earlier held crucial portfolios like Energy. He also has vast legislative experience and has been awarded the best Parliamentarian award.

"Considering the situation in view of resentment of senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, over being sidelined from the post of deputy chief minister, the party would need a strong person on the Speaker's post to handle any emergency," the sources said.

The party could also make Walse-Patil state NCP chief but senior leaders like Madhukar Pichad may be considered for the job, the sources said.