Shiv Sena MLA apologises for mimicking PM Modi after BJP pushes for it

Shiv Sena MLA Bhaskar Jadhav

Shiv Sena MLA Bhaskar Jadhav tendered an unconditional apology to the Assembly on Wednesday for mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The House witnessed high-voltage action after the BJP aggressively pushed for the apology and suspension of the MLA, and stalled proceedings for an hour on the first day of the winter session of the state legislature.

The issue came to the fore when the House was debating disconnection of power supply to farmers. BJP's Sudhir Mungantiwar reminded Energy Minister Nitin Raut of his assurance of providing 100 units of free power every month. Subsequently, the minister also reminded the Opposition of the PM's promise of giving R15 lakh each to the country's people. Meanwhile, Jadhav intervened and made a statement, which seemed like the PM's mimicry.

Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis strongly objected to it and demanded Jadhav's apology. He also sought the chair's intervention, saying that such mimicking didn't augur well for the House where all parties led by prominent senior leaders participate in the democratic business. "No leader should be treated this way. Modi is not only my PM but even yours," he told the Speaker, demanding Jadhav's suspension in case the apology was not forthcoming.

Jadhav tried explaining and withdrew his statement, but the BJP did not relent saying that the mimicry could not be withdrawn or expunged like spoken words. In the CM's absence, deputy CM Ajit Pawar doused the fire. The House reconvened after a couple of adjournments and started working only after Jadhav submitted his apology. "I haven't used language that goes against the ethics of the Parliament. And if my act has hurt the sentiments of the House, I tender my unconditional apology."

Earlier in the day, the Opposition in both Houses demanded a debate and action in the recruitment scam that has come to the fore. Fadnavis said the blacklisted firms were hired for conducting the examinations and demanded to find out the scam's masterminds. Congress MLA Nana Patole seconded Fadnavis, saying that he had the documents that will prove the involvement of certain people. Speaking outside the House, Patole said that the scam started in the previous (BJP's) regime.

In the Upper House, Opposition leader Pravin Darekar asked for a probe into the health department's scam by a retired judge. Health Minister Rajesh Tope assured to act positively.

Tussle in Congress over Patole

Amid unconfirmed reports that over 100 Congress leaders have asked the party high command to sack state unit president Nana Patole, the internal tussle was on display when he joined the Opposition in grilling Energy Minister Nitin Raut over electricity supply to farmers. Insiders said Raut and Patole did not get along well ever since the former's appointment. Over time, several party leaders have been upset by Patole's working style. "Early this week in New Delhi the matter was taken up by party president Sonia Gandhi, who also discussed a letter that about 100 leaders from Maharashtra have written to her, demanding Patole's replacement," said a leader. Patole said those who did not like him might have written the letter to Gandhi.