Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) legislators today created a ruckus in the Maharashtra Assembly after Samajwadi Party (SP) member Abu Asim Azmi took oath in Hindi despite their call that all legislators take the pledge in Marathi with one of the members from Raj Thackeray's party slapping him.
Soon after Azmi began taking oath in Hindi, the 13 member-strong MNS contingent rushed towards Azmi, snatching the mike placed for taking oath at the podium.
MNS members shouted slogans, demanding that Azmi should take oath in Marathi.
The House was adjourned for 30 minutes as the pandemonium continued and soon after that MNS MLA Ram Kadam slapped Azmi.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Energy Minister Ajit Pawar tried to restore calm in the House.
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray had last month announced that his party legislators would ensure that all MLAs took oath in Marathi.
"If any MLA does not take oath in Marathi, the House will see what happens," Raj had threatened.
