Speaker postpones hearing in MLAs8217; disqualification case

The speaker has postponed proceedings in the absence of the complainant, Vidhan Bhavan sources told PTI today. The Independents, Rajendra Shingne, Ajit Ghorpade, Devrao Radke, K C Padvi, Madanrao Pisal, Mohanrao Gudge and Rajvardhan Pande who reportedly supported the vote of confidence in the new Narayan Rane Ministry yesterday, today appeared before the speaker at the Vidhan Bhavan accompanied by their advocate Marzban Patrawala.

Patrawala said Padwal8217;s counsel sought leave of absence for his client who was apparently in Calcutta. 8220;We are yet to see the original membership forms of the Congress allegedly signed by these Independents despite repeated demands8221;, Patrawala said.

On the eve of the confidence vote, Opposition leader in the Assembly Madhukarrao Pichad had alleged that the date for hearing was deliberately fixed a day after the motion to blackmail8217; the MLAs to support the State Government.