Maha speaker makes NCP (SP), BJP MLAs apologise for scuffle

MUMBAI: A day after supporters of NCP (SP) legislator Jitendra Awhad and BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar came to blows in the lobby of Vidhan Bhavan, both netas apologised on the directions of speaker Rahul Narwekar.

Taking a strong view of the ruckus, Narwekar said such an incident had never happened before. One supporter of each MLA said to be involved in the clash will have to face the breach of privilege committee for maligning the image of the legislature.

In addition, Narwekar said only legislators, their personal assistants and govt officials will be allowed into the House during the session. Even ministers will have to hold meetings requiring external visitors outside the assembly premises, he said. An ethics committee will also be set up, like in Parliament, to ensure legislators follow a code of conduct, he said.

“It is important to maintain public’s belief in democracy. The state legislature is temple of democracy. Legislators need to uphold this tradition because they have taken an oath to follow the Constitution,” Narwekar said.

He said after the scuffle, he sought a report from the security chief. Among those apprehended was Nitin Deshmukh who claimed he was Awhad’s supporter and Sarjerao Bhosale, who was Padalkar’s cousin. They will face the privileges committee and cases have been lodged against them and 6-7 others.