First session of Maharashtra Assembly likely from Nov 3

The first session of the 12th Maharashtra Assembly is likely to begin from November three and may be a three-day affair.

"All the 277 newly-elected members would be sworn in during the session, which would also include an address by Governor SC Jamir," Vidhan Bhawan sources said. The strength of the House is 288 elected and a nominated member.

Samajwadi Party's Abu Asim Azmi has been elected from two Assembly constituencies. Also on the agenda is election of the Speaker and if needed, a resolution moved by Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, that the House expresses its trust in the new government, the sources said.

If the Opposition decides to put up a candidate for the Speaker's post, the House would see a show of strength. The winter session of state legislature is scheduled in Nagpur in December. The swearing-in of Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and some other members of the new ministry is likely to take place in the next one or two days, the sources said.