Maharashtra Legislative Council today witnessed chaotic scenes with the Opposition demanding a discussion on the financial condition of farmers in the state, leading to the House being adjourned thrice on the first day of the Monsoon Session.
"There has been no rainfall in Maharashtra for last 22 days. Hence, there is a danger of crop failure once again. Also, the financial aid announced by the government has not reached farmers as yet. In such a condition, we demand that the government immediately waive off the loans of farmers," Leader of Opposition in the Council Dhananjay Munde said on the floor of the House.
While Munde was speaking, BJP leader Eknath Khadse objected saying the House should be conducted as per the schedule.
In the chaos that ensued among the members, Council Chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
When the House reassembled, Congress group leader Manikrao Thakre got up and said that as per Rule 289 (of the House) submitted by the Opposition, the government should first start a discussion on the distressed farmers and not continue with the Condolence Motion.
This caused an argument between the members once again and the House was adjourned for five minutes.
As the House assembled again, Munde got up and said that the Chairman's seat was disrespected as Khadse's mike was turned on even when the Chairman had allowed Thakre to speak, based on the Rule 289 submitted by them. Munde's statement was supported by all Opposition members.
Thakre then got up to speak and said that the switching off of his mike can be a matter of inquiry and continued with his speech on the agrarian crisis.
"What is needed at this time is an immediate loan waiver for farmers. We heard the CM saying somewhere that waiving off the loans is not possible at this juncture. If that is the case, we demand an immediate discussion on the matter," Thakre said.
However, his demand once again caused an uproar in the House with Opposition members entering into the Well and shouting slogans while displaying placards against the government.
The commotion then forced the Chairman to adjourn the House for another 10 minutes.
When the House re-assembled, Nimbalkar said the House should start with the Condolence Motion without further delay. To this, Khadse said the Opposition is not serious about the Motion and that the government is ready for a discussion on the plight of farmers.
Ignoring protests, Nimbalkar then ordered to initiate the Condolence Motion.
