Maharashtra Assembly Day 1: BJP protests Rahul’s Savarkar remark, House adjourned

The entire BJP led by Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis came to the House wearing saffron caps with the slogan “Mi Pan Savarkar”. Speaker Nana Patole took up the congratulatory resolution in honour of Justice Sharad Bobde on his becoming the Chief Justice of India. Many, including Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Fadnavis, spoke in glowing terms about Bobde, who, incidentally, belongs to Nagpur. Fadnavis, interestingly, mentioned that Savarkar had stayed with the Bobdes during his Nagpur visit.

After this, even as the Speaker got on with the next item in the day’s business, Fadnavis sought to move an adjournment motion demanding a discussion on Rahul’s remark on Savarkar. Patole, however, rejected the demand, which led to angry reactions from Opposition benches. Fadnavis persisted with his demand, arguing where else could one expect a discussion on Savarkar if not in the Assembly. He tried speaking about the sacrifices made by Savarkar but Patole continued with the regular business.

While the Opposition led by Fadnavis were demanding in chorus a discussion on Savarkar, Patole said the remarks won’t go on record. Later, while talking to mediapersons, Fadnavis targeted the Shiv Sena, saying, “I can’t understand this desperation for power. When the Speaker was saying that my praise of Savarkar won’t go on record, nobody protested.”

Finance Minister Jayant Patil tabled the supplementary demands for the year 2018-19. Rural Development Minister Chhagan Bhujbal placed a Bill proposing amendment in rural local body polls. The Opposition, meanwhile, started sloganeering plunging the House in bedlam. Patole then adjourned the House for 10 minutes.

After the House reassembled, the Speaker took up a condolence resolution for late Manikrao Sabane from Wardha and Ashok Tapgir from Pune, both former members of the House. This virtually forced the Opposition to fall in line. After several members spoke in honour of the two departed leaders, Patole adjourned the House for the day.

The Legislative Council, too, took up congratulatory resolution for Justice Bobde’s elevation as CJI.