Shiv Sena members create ruckus in Maharashtra Assembly over Aney's remarks

Shiv Sena members on Tuesday protested in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly here over remarks made by State Advocate General Shrihari Aney on the issue of separate Vidarbha.

Pratap Sarnaik (Sena) moved a Privilege Motion against Aney and demanded that it be admitted. Soon other members joined him raising anti-Aney slogans and entered the Well of the House.

He said it was unfair on part of Aney who is holding a constitutional post to openly support the creation of Vidarbha. Aney had suggested a referendum on the separate statehood issue during a book release function here on December 5.

Sarnaik demanded that Aney be summoned before the House and asked to apologise, citing a similar incident involving former State Advocate General Darius Khambata, when he too was asked to do so.

To this, Speaker Haribhau Bagde promptly corrected Sarnaik and told him that AG Khambata was not summoned and instead someone else was called.

He also cut short Sarnaik saying that during a meeting in his chamber it was agreed upon that this issue will not be raised.

Later, rejecting the Privilege Motion, the Speaker directed Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis to make a statement on the issue in the House.

Fadanvis who was present in the House promptly got up from his seat and assured the Speaker that a statement will be made according to the directive. Subsequently, Sena members returned to their seats.