Pune says ‘ready’ to host legislature session

The commissionerate had,three days ago,sent a letter to the cultural department conveying its readiness to host the state legislature session. “The cultural department had sought to know if it would be possible to hold a one-day monsoon session of state legislature in Pune. After checking the facilities at our disposal,we have written back to the department that we are ready to take up the responsibility,” Band said.

The commissioner said he had sent a “positive report” and was awaiting a response from the state government. On the hurdles,Band said apart from making seating arrangements for over 350 MLAs and MLCs,they would also have to set up separate cabins for Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar besides ensuring food and tight security. “If it is held in December,we will be fully prepared as our additional building will be ready by that time.”

Assembly Speaker Dilip Walse-Patil,who is also from the district,however,said he had no knowledge of any such plan. MLC Neelam Gorhe said the issue was discussed by party leaders in the state legislature during last session. “There has been a demand from Pune MLAs and MLCs,but I don’t think it has been approved. The Governor will have to issue a notification to this effect. We have not yet received any intimation. It may come by this month-end when the picture will become clear,” Gorhe said.

MLA Vilas Lande said he was among those who had raised the demand for holding the session in Pune due to its historic significance. MLC Mohan Joshi said it would be a moment of pride if such a session is held in Pune. “Over 70 years ago,Pune used to host sessions of the Bombay state at the Council Hall. But in the past 50 years,no legislature sessions have been held in Pune,” he said.

Congress MLA Vinayak Nimhan said though he was all in favour of holding such a session,there were practical difficulties. “If the administration is ready to take up the responsibility,then well and good,” he said.