Legislative Council Committee Proposes 30-Day Jail for NCP(SP) Leader Over Remarks Against Chairman
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, March 10 (NationPress) - The Privilege Committee of the Legislative Council has presented its findings regarding NCP(SP) leader Suryakant More, suggesting a civil imprisonment of 30 days due to his inappropriate comments directed at Ram Shinde, the Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, during a political rally associated with the recent local body elections.
The report was put forth by Committee Chairman Prasad Lad, a member of the BJP, who highlighted its significance.
Chairman Shinde confirmed that the report is now submitted to the council for further consideration.
During the Winter Session of the State Legislature, the council acknowledged a breach of privilege motion initiated by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar against More for his 'highly objectionable' comments about the Chairman and the legislative assembly. More is closely linked with Rohit Pawar, the local MLA from NCP(SP).
In response to the motion, Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe mandated an inquiry into More's actions, which also included the possibility of filing a criminal case against him.
This controversy arose from an election rally aimed at the Jamkhed Municipal Council, where More allegedly criticized both the Legislative Council and its Chairman, Ram Shinde.
The underlying tension stems from local political rivalries, as Shinde had previously lost to Rohit Pawar in the Karjat-Jamkhed Assembly seat, making this exchange a part of their ongoing feud.
While presenting the notice, BJP group leader Praveen Darekar referenced More’s contentious statements made during a rally on November 23, 2025, where he dismissed the significance of the Legislative Council, stating: “Nobody cares about the red-coloured badge… The Legislative Council chairman does not even have the powers of a Panchayat Samiti chairman. The Speaker’s job is limited to counting votes… The Legislative Council’s red colour is a symbol of drought.”
The breach of privilege notice was filed by BJP's MLCs Darekar and Prasad Lad during the Winter Session in December 2025, emphasizing that More’s remarks were not only a personal affront to Ram Shinde but also a disrespect to the constitutional office he represents and the legacy of the Upper House.
The committee, chaired by Prasad Lad, summoned More three times; however, he failed to attend the initial hearings before eventually providing testimony.