Assembly ruckus: Opposition calls for lawmakers’ suspension

Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is under pressure to take action against four Shiv Sena MLAs and Nitesh Rane, the son of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former state chief minister Narayan Rane, for snatching the mace from the Speaker’s table in the Assembly. Senior BJP leaders have said that though the Sena is a partner in the BJP-led ruling alliance, indiscipline cannot be tolerated. Mr Fadnavis did not pay any mind to the Sena MLAs’ ruckus in the House while replying to queries on the floor of the House.

Though outbursts over various issues are routine in the legislature, snatching the mace that is kept in front of the Speaker of the Assembly and climbing on to the podium is rarely seen and such actions had always gone punished.  

Leader of Opposition Vikhe-Patil dismissed the incident as a stunt. The Opposition will demand the suspension of these MLAs. Sources said that if Mr Fadnavis does not take action, it will set a wrong precedent and Opposition MLAs may repeat these actions while raising issues.

Mr Fadnavis has to move a resolution to take action against these MLAs. They could then tender an apology, which the House could accept. But such a lenient view was never taken with Opposition MLAs in the earlier incidents so their suspension for a day or more may be possible. Sources said Mr Fad-navis might talk with Sena chief Uddhav Tha-ckeray and decide on the action to be taken against the MLAs.