Why Was Cong MLA Nana Patole Suspended for a Day?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nana Patole was suspended for demanding accountability for derogatory remarks against farmers.
- The opposition staged a walkout in protest of Patole’s suspension.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called for decorum in the Assembly.
- The incident underscores the strained relationship between the government and farmers.
- Protests may shape future discussions on agricultural policies.
Mumbai, July 1 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Rahul Narvekar, suspended senior Congress leader and former Speaker Nana Patole for a day following his abrupt demand for action against Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate and BJP legislator Babanrao Lonikar. This was due to their insensitive remarks directed towards farmers.
After the question hour, Patole passionately raised his concerns, asserting that both Kokate and Lonikar had persistently made derogatory comments about farmers, calling for their reprimand and a public apology.
Patole, alongside former Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, hurriedly took to the podium demanding action. They were soon supported by other opposition members, who stood in protest against the disparaging remarks made by Kokate and Lonikar, raising slogans in disapproval.
As the commotion escalated, the Speaker adjourned the House for five minutes. Upon reconvening, Narvekar cautioned Patole and reminded him of prior rulings concerning the conduct expected in the chamber, particularly regarding the mace placed on the podium. Despite multiple warnings, Patole persisted in his protests against Kokate and Lonikar.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed that Patole's actions were inappropriate, urging him to refrain from directly confronting the Speaker. Fadnavis called for Patole's apology to the chair, but Patole remained resolute in his stance.
Throughout the opposition's chants, Speaker Narvekar stated that such behavior was unacceptable and continued the day's agenda, formally announcing Patole's one-day suspension.
In solidarity with Patole, the opposition maintained their protests and eventually executed a loud walkout, vowing to boycott the House's proceedings for the day to protest both Patole’s suspension and the government's inaction against the agriculture minister and the BJP lawmaker.
Outside, the opposition leaders continued to denounce the derogatory statements from both Kokate and Lonikar, reiterating their demands for accountability.
Nana Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav stated their determination to no longer accept the insults directed at farmers by the ruling MahaYuti leaders.