Maharashtra Assembly Monsoon Session: Nana Patole Suspended For One Day After Climbing Speaker's Podium, Creating Ruckus In House (Video)
Mumbai: Former Maharashtra Congress president and senior leader Nana Patole was suspended from the state Assembly for a day on Tuesday after he stormed the Speaker’s podium in protest against controversial remarks made by BJP leaders about farmers. The incident took place on the second day of the monsoon session, triggering a major uproar in the House.
What Caused Ruckus In Assembly?
The ruckus began after Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate and BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar were accused of making derogatory statements against farmers. Patole, joined by several opposition MLAs, raised slogans and walked up to the Speaker’s chair demanding an apology from the ruling dispensation. Speaker Rahul Narwekar repeatedly warned Patole to maintain decorum, but as he continued to argue near the chair, the Speaker ordered his suspension for the remainder of the day to restore order.
Patole Addresses Media After Suspension
Speaking to the press after his suspension, Patole lashed out at both the state and central governments. “Today is Farmers' Day. The arrogant Modi government and its ministers treat farmers like beggars. Those who speak for farmers are thrown out of the House, while those who insult them are honoured. Farmers are suffering due to unseasonal rains, and the government has done nothing to support them. Even crop insurance has been scrapped,” Patole said.
The Congress MLA accused the ruling BJP of being 'anti-farmer' and vowed to continue the fight for farmers’ rights despite disciplinary actions. “We will keep fighting this corrupt government. Even if we are suspended every day, we won’t stop,” he said.
Patole’s fiery speech in the House sparked reactions, especially after he made a controversial comment saying, “Modi may be your father, but he can never be the father of farmers,” which drew strong objections from the treasury benches.
Devendra Fadnavis Demands Apology
Speaker Rahul Narwekar cautioned Patole about using unparliamentary language, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned his behaviour, saying, “Expressing emotions is one thing, but charging at the Speaker is unacceptable. Patole has been a Speaker himself and should understand the dignity of the chair. He should apologise.”
Following the suspension, opposition MLAs resumed sloganeering, demanding an apology from the Chief Minister to farmers for the hurtful remarks made by BJP leaders. The session continued amid high tension, with the opposition calling the government's handling of farmer issues insensitive and dismissive.
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