The Maharashtra Assembly was briefly adjourned today after Shiv Sena members demanded that BJP legislator Nitesh Rane be suspended over his alleged inappropriate behaviour towards state Environment and Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray.
Last week, BJP MLAs protesting outside the Maharashtra assembly "cat-called" Thackeray while he was entering the building. Rane, son of Union Minister Narayan Rane, loudly "meowed" at Thackeray.
Later when reporters questioned him about his behaviour, a defiant Rane said he would repeat it.
The issue was raised today in the assembly by Shiv Sena MLA Suhas Kande after the Question Hour. He said all members agree that indecent behaviour against political party leaders should not be allowed.
"Aaditya Thackeray, being a dignified man, walked away ignoring Nitesh Rane. We will not tolerate insult of our leader," Kande said. He demanded that Rane apologise in the House or he be suspended.
Sena legislator Sunil Prabhu supported Kande. Another Sena member Bhaskar Jadhav demanded that Rane be permanently suspended as member of the assembly. Shiv Sena members shouted slogans in support of their demand following which the Chair adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
After the House resumed, Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis said Rane will be reprimanded for his comments. "But, suspending a member for an incident that had happened outside the House is not right," he said.
Fadnavis said earlier Bhaskar Jadhav would make noises when NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal used to enter the House. Chandrakant Patil of BJP said why the issue, about the incident which happened outside, was being discussed in the House. "Did Nitesh Rane take any name?" he asked.
The presiding officer said a meeting of all group leaders will be held on Tuesday to ensure such incidents do not take place again.
