Mah councillors can now approach govt against disqualification

The Legislative Assembly today passed an amendment to the Maharashtra Local Authority Members Disqualification Act to include the state government as the second appellate authority that an aggrieved councillor can approach to challenge his disqualification.
The Opposition demanded a division of votes on the amendment bill as they were not convinced with certain provisions. The bill was finally passed with 87 votes in its favour and 34 opposing it.
As per the original bill, if a councillor defects to another party, he can be disqualified by collector or municipal commissioner.
However, as per the new amendment, the councillor concerned can appeal to the government against the decision of collector or commissioner.

Congress MLA Jaykumar Gore said the amendment will make the decision-making process political.
"If the state government is going to decide (on the appeal), then they will obviously save people who are close to them or those who want to join their party," he said.