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Journalism of Courage
Mumbai, April 21: The nominated member of Maharashtra Legislative Council, Vinayak Mete, resigned from membership of the upper house on Thursday.
An announcement to this effect was made by the Chairman Prof N S Pharande here.
Mete, the then chairman of Maratha Mahasangh, was nominated by Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in 1996. However, he switched over to Congress and subsequently to NCP.
The term of Mete was to expire on January 20, 2002.
NCP sources indicated that Mete’s resignation was an attempt by the party to accommodate food and civil supplies Minister Datta Meghe, who is not a member of either House of the State Legislature.
Meghe, who was sworn in on October 27 last, would have to tender his resignation on or before April 26, as it is mandatory for a Minister to get elected within six months to either house.
Minister of State for Transport Gangadhar Gade, who was sworn in along with Meghe, is also not the member of either House.
However, the question mark on Gade’s continuation in the ministry still remains. Gade, who belongs to RPI-Athavale group, had yesterday expressed confidence that the issue would be looked into by NCP president Sharad Pawar and RPI leader Ramdas Athavale.
Later, addressing a press conference in Vidhan Bhavan premises, BJP spokesperson Prakash Jawdekar alleged that the resignation of Mete was politically motivated’ and attempts would be made to accommodate Meghe in his place.
He said as per the spirit of the Constitution, no nominated member should become a Minister.
BJP has written to Governor Dr P C Alexander in this connection and suggested to him to fill the vacancy by nominating either renowned singer Asha Bhosle, music director Sudhir Phadke or dalit litterateur and Sahitya Academy Award winner Namdeo Kamble, the spokesman added.
