Maharashtra: Opposition objects to political remarks made by NCP MLA while presiding in Assembly
The issue was raised by the Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar and it was supported by Bhaskar Jadhav (Shiv Sena UBT) and Nana Patole (Congress). The Opposition said that it was not acceptable demanding that the dignity of the chair should be maintained.
Speaker Rahul Narvekar took a serious note and expressed displeasure saying that such incidents should not happen in future. 'Those sitting as presiding officers should maintain the letter and spirit of the law. It is necessary for the presiding officers to work within the framework of the rules given by the Constitution,' he said. The Speaker assured that the chair of the Speaker will not be used for political purposes. He also told the house that he will take a decision in this regard in his chamber.
Earlier, Wadettiwar strongly criticised the presiding officer for his political remarks during the discussion on a motion on farmers suicides and the present state of agriculture amid government's apathy.
Wadettiwar read some of the political remarks made by presiding officer Chetan Tupe.
'While the discussion was on, the Agriculture Minister and the officials of that department were not present, but the work continued. Does presiding officer Chetan Tupe have the right to sit in the chair and present the government's position? While the chair has a certain dignity, it is not right to make political speeches from there, such a thing has not happened in the past,' he said.
He further said, 'The presiding officer in his statements targeted opposition members for their absence while saying they speak about farmers but skip the proceedings.'
'While it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the House functions properly, it is the responsibility of the Parliamentary Affairs Minister to see whether the ministers of the department are present in the house. In such a case, the custom and tradition of the House should be followed from the highest position in the House,' said Wadettiwar.
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