Mumbai. MLAs of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the Maharashtra Vidhansabha on Thursday accused members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena of allegedly hitting a poster of Rahul Gandhi with slippers on the steps of the Maharashtra Legislature Complex. criticized. MLAs from ruling parties allegedly slapped Gandhi’s poster while protesting against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s alleged remarks on Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprises the Shiv Sena (the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction), the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar also expressed his displeasure over the act of the ruling coalition MLAs and promised an inquiry. Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat raised the issue in the House, which was welcomed by Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar. Both criticized the behavior of the members of the ruling party terming it as unparliamentary.
Thorat demanded action against the MLAs involved in the act. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also accepted that it was wrong to commit such acts in the Vidhan Bhawan complex, but criticized Gandhi. Fadnavis said Savarkar had spent 11 years in jail in the Andamans and Gandhi’s remarks on him should be condemned. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar said, “A person out on bail in a criminal case is insulting a freedom fighter” when the House resumed after adjournment.
Meanwhile, Speaker Narvekar said, “I will investigate the matter and see the recording as well.” This should not happen again or else strict action will be taken.” Slamming the ruling MLAs, he said, “If you want to condemn, do so at an appropriate forum. So far, I have not received any notice (for action on the matter).” Earlier, the House was adjourned twice after ruling coalition MLAs raised slogans against Gandhi for his remarks on Savarkar.
