Maharashtra assembly speaker's comment at Congress triggers protests

Mumbai, Nov 28 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde's comment on the Congress' "culture" triggered a wave of protests in the House, with the NCP also participate in the uproar and backing the grand old party.

As protests mounted, the speaker clarified that he didn't mean to disrespect anyone.

The speaker passed the remark in light of specific motions made by Congress MLA Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan who was trying to draw attention of the Chair to some issue.

Protesting the motions, members of treasury seats said they added up to offending the Chair, to which Bagde commented: "This is the way of life of Congress".

Joining the issue, Ajit Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party) said the speaker's comment was questionable since the Congress' commitment to the opportunity battle and country building can't be ignored.

"I was also connected with the party before," he said.

To this, Bagde said he didn't mean any lack of regard.

Unhappy with the speaker's explanation, the MLAs driven by Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil climbed the speaker's platform and shouted slogans against him.

In the midst of racket, managing officer Yogesh Sagar took up the calling consideration sees for discussion.

During a discussion on a motion on killing of tigress 'Avni' by a shooter in Yavatmal region as of late, NCP MLA Jayant Patil said the calling consideration see appears to have been given to empower state Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to give a clarification on the controversy.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat (BJP) and presiding officer Yogesh Sagar asked Patil pull back the comments, saying they cast aspersions on the post of Speaker.

In his reply, Patil said he would reclaim his words gave the speaker also withdraws his remarks against the Congress party.

When Sagar said Patil's comments will be erased from the procedures, the NCP leader said he would rehash his comments.

Meanwhile, speaker Bagde took the seat and said the issue was among him and MLA Khan.

"I will check the proceedings and whenever observed to be objectionable, the comment would be erased," he said.