Stand-off between dy speaker, opposition rocks assembly

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly was adjourned four times today following a stand-off between Deputy Speaker Pramod Shende and Opposition Shiv Sena-BJP legislators over BJP leader Eknath Khadse not being allowed to speak on a calling-attention notice.

Amid vociferous protests from the Opposition, Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar was also suspended for a day for showing disrespect to the Deputy Speaker. His suspension was, however, later revoked after he apologised for his conduct.

The trouble stated when the Shende did not allow Khadse to speak on a calling-attention notice on the gas pipeline being built by GAIL for the Dabhol power project. Instead, Shende allowed another opposition member, who hails from the area where the Dabhol project is located, to speak.

This irked Khadse, who sat down. Leader of Opposition Ramdas Kadam criticised the Chair for not allowing Khadse to speak.

Later, the entire Opposition staged a walkout, protesting Shende's decision. When the Opposition members returned to the House, they squatted in the well and raised slogans.

Shende adjourned the House for five minutes. When the proceedings resumed, Girish Bapat (BJP) accused Shende of not allowing Opposition members to speak.

Shende said "should I go," to which Sena MLA Khotkar replied "go, go" and gestured towards Shende. "Khotkar has not insulted me but the chair", Shende said.

Treasury benches sought action against Khotkar. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Patil then moved a motion seeking Khotkar's suspension for a day which was carried by a voice vote.