Fresh allegations on BJP minister

The Assembly was adjourned twice on Thursday after Congress MLA Vijay Vadettiwar, based on a newspaper report, alleged that a Cabinet minister had a connection with a company blacklisted by the BMC in the road contract. However, the said minister and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis objected to it saying it was raised without serving a notice to the minister and Speaker Haribhau Bagde expunged the allegations from the record. Later, it was agreed that the allegation would be raised on the last day of the House after serving a notice to the minister.

Congress MLA Vijay Vadettiwar did not name the minister, but alleged her involvement in a company black listed by the BMC. However, the speaker of the Assembly told Mr Vadettiwar that he could not make vague allegations and should clearly state names of the people involved, the company’s name, among others. Following the speaker’s remarks, Mr Vadettiwar named the minister and said that the minister’s company was linked to BMC road contracts. He was not allowed to speak further as the BJP and Shiv Sena MLAs wen to the Well and shouted slogans against Mr Vadettiwar.

The minister concerned, who was present in the House, said she was not given any notice. Chief minister who was also present during the debate got up and said the opposition was misusing its rights. “It is not correct to accuse someone without proofs. The opposition is misusing its rights and I will move breach of privilege motion against him,” Mr Fadnavis said.