Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, emphasized on Tuesday that the Legislature should not take on the responsibilities of the Executive. He clarified that directives from the Legislature do not automatically become absolute truth; rather, actions stemming from these directives must align with the realities on the ground.

Fadnavis' remarks followed a tumultuous incident during the elections for the Satara Zilla Parishad (ZP) presidency and vice-presidency, which led to uproar in both Houses of the Legislature on Monday, exposing the internal discord within the ruling MahaYuti alliance.

The Shiv Sena members vocally demanded accountability for Satara Superintendent of Police (SP) Tushar Doshi.

The situation escalated when the Legislative Council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe instructed the state government to suspend SP Doshi, who was reportedly involved in a cane charge during the Maratha reservation protests earlier in 2023.

However, Ram Shinde, the Chairman of the State Legislative Council, later stated he would determine whether such powers could be exercised by the Deputy Chairperson, leaving the suspension uncertain.

“The Constitution outlines three branches: Judicial, Legislature, and Executive, all functioning independently. While the Legislature can guide the Executive, it cannot assume its role,” Fadnavis asserted.

He was responding to a debate raised by Shiv Sena-UBT MLC Anil Parab regarding the powers of the deputy chairperson.

Parab reminded the Council Chairman of his recent statement concerning the authority to suspend an IPS officer and urged him to resolve the constitutional impasse.

NCP-SP MLC Shashikant Shinde also called on Chairman Ram Shinde for clarity on this matter.

Fadnavis remarked, “Just because the Legislature has issued directions, it doesn’t equate to ultimate truth. Actions will be grounded in actual circumstances.”

He referenced an earlier suspension of an IAS officer in the State Assembly, which was linked to the official’s absence from a critical briefing called by the Minister for legislative duties.

“That incident pertained to activities within the legislative building. Conversely, this issue occurred outside of it. The Executive holds the right to communicate on ground realities. Even assurances made within the House are not absolute. We have a Promises Committee to oversee them,” Fadnavis elaborated.

Earlier on Monday, Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe had ordered the immediate suspension of SP Tushar Doshi.

This decision stemmed from a “horrific” episode during the elections for Zilla Parishad president and vice president, where Maharashtra Minister and Satara Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai was reportedly manhandled by police.

“It is a well-established norm in this House that the statements of members, particularly Ministers, are regarded as factual. I hereby direct the government to suspend the Satara SP and all officers involved in manhandling, causing injuries, and obstructing the democratic voting process,” Deputy Chairperson Gorhe stated.

She also pointed out that the state government should have initiated an inquiry promptly, and since they did not, the Legislature must intervene to ensure accountability.

According to discussions in the House, the chaos erupted during the voting for the Zilla Parishad posts. Despite claims of a majority from the Shiv Sena and NCP, the BJP succeeded in these elections.

Minister Desai recounted his experience, stating that despite a 40-year political career, he had never encountered such treatment.

He alleged that while he was guiding 33 members to the polling station—following an alliance between the Shiv Sena and NCP—they were confronted by over 100 police officers in civilian clothing merely ten meters from the voting hall.

The police reportedly acted on a “false complaint” regarding member abduction.