Why Are Visitors Barred from Vidhan Bhavan During Legislative Sessions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Only MLAs and aides permitted during sessions.
- Recent brawl prompted strict security measures.
- Meetings to occur mainly at Mantralaya.
- Visitors require approval and ID badges.
- Chief Minister stresses discipline and dialogue.
Mumbai, July 18 (NationPress) Following the altercation between supporters of BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar and NCP-SP legislator Jitendra Awhad in the lobby of Vidhan Bhavan in Maharashtra, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar announced on Friday that entry for visitors will henceforth be prohibited during Legislative sessions.
Speaker Narwekar stated, "The conduct of MLAs in recent days raises significant concerns; adherence to the Constitution must be taken seriously while fulfilling our duties. Henceforth, only MLAs and their designated personal aides will be permitted inside the Vidhan Bhavan. Furthermore, although meetings have traditionally occurred within the Vidhan Bhavan, Ministers are now directed to convene their discussions at Mantralaya. In exceptional cases where meetings must occur inside, visitor access will be restricted, allowing only essential department personnel to enter."
He also emphasized that visitors will require prior approval from the State Legislature's Board.
Later that day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked, "This Assembly is not the property of MLAs or Ministers; it belongs to the 14 crore residents of Maharashtra. We must guide society through constructive dialogue rather than through violence. If discussions devolve into physical confrontations, it's time for introspection. Both legislators involved have expressed remorse. Words can inflict harm more potent than that of a snake's venom."
Fadnavis further noted, "Discipline is essential. There are serious charges against Sarjerao Takle, a supporter of Gopichand Padalkar, and Nitin Deshmukh, associated with Jitendra Awhad. It's inappropriate for such factions to engage in conflict. I support the Assembly Speaker's decision. A few individuals' mistakes should not lead to punishment for all."
He called upon the Assembly Speaker to implement stringent security measures, insisting that visitors should only gain entry to the Vidhan Bhavan with valid identification badges. "Who is accountable if someone were to commit a terrorist act? MLAs wear badges, but visitors must also display identification. Otherwise, security personnel should remove them," he insisted.
Addressing some disrespectful remarks made by certain legislators towards Speaker Narwekar, CM Fadnavis expressed, "I extend an apology on behalf of those who made such statements."