Disqualification of two other MLCs Viplav Bajoria and Manisha Kayande are also being demanded over defection to Shinde Sena
Neelam Gorhe, deputy chairperson of the Council
Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded the disqualification and removal of Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe because of her defection to the Sena (Shinde). Other Opposition parties closed ranks with the Thackeray faction on Day 1 of the monsoon session of the state legislature on Monday.
Sena (UBT) MLC and Opposition leader Ambadas Danve said the party has submitted a petition to the legislature secretariat. In addition, the disqualification of two other MLCs Viplav Bajoria and Manisha Kayande, was also demanded for similar reasons.
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Danve’s party colleague, advocate Anil Parab said Gorhe had relinquished the party’s membership and hence she can be disqualified under the 10th schedule of the Constitution. “The recent order of the Supreme Court in similar matters is crystal clear. Pending a petition against her, she has lost the moral and legal right to work in that position,” he said.
Devendra Fadnavis
In the house, the matter was raised by PWP’s Jayant Patil before DyCM Devendra Fadnavis could begin the proceedings by introducing new ministers. The DyCm argued that any matter against any member or chairperson/deputy chairperson should have been raised after serving a formal notice.
Unperturbed Gorhe said she would allow a discussion on Tuesday on any subject, including a no-confidence motion or whatever issue that comes up against her, because, traditionally the first day’s business ended after condoling the death of former members of the House. “The matter wasn't even mentioned in a (pre-sitting) meeting of group leaders,” she said.
While the official business was transacted, the Opposition staged a walk-out. “We were not allowed to speak,” said Danve, adding that the MVA was to decide the next course of action. Interestingly, Parab pointed out that the BJP had also served notice to remove Gorhe, who has been filling in as chief presiding officer pending the chairperson’s election. “That notice is still active and in addition, one has been filed by us. Let's see what happens next,” he said.
Oppn vs govt over farm crisis
In the Assembly, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat raised the issue of scant rain, which has created a farming crisis. His proposal to initiate a discussion was rejected by the Speaker, yet he made a few points that were responded to by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Thorat said that only a 50 per cent of the state had received rain, with the rest remaining dry. “There is no sowing. If there was any sowing, the bogus seeds have damaged growth. Bogus fertilisers, too, have been found in the market. This government has ignored the crisis. It is busy swearing in ministers,” he said. Fadnavis replied that the government had a complete idea of the situation and had made a plan to tackle it.
“People dealing with bogus seeds and fertilisers will be dealt with under a revised criminal law which will be passed in this session. The offence will be made non-bailable with harsh punishment,” he said, even as the Opposition staged a walk-out.
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