Mah Assembly adjourned over Advocate General's affidavit

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly was adjourned for the day today following an uproar over Advocate General's stand in Bombay High Court that the Governor's directives on equitable allocation of funds to all regions were advisory in nature and not binding on the state.
The Lower House saw two adjournments on the issue before Speaker Dilip Walse Patil adjourned it for the day as Opposition members demanded that Advocate General Darius Khambata be summoned before the House for a clarification.
Moving a breach of privilege notice against the AG, BJP MLA Devendra Phadanvis said he had violated the special privileges of both Houses of the state Legislature by his affidavit in the High Court and taking a view contrary to what had been unanimously adopted by the Legislature.

He demanded that the Speaker accept his breach of privilege notice suo-motu.
To this, the Speaker told the member that a�copy of the affidavit, which he had quoted in the House, had not been given to him.
"I have to be convinced first before taking a decision to suo motu accept the notice," he said adding that proper procedure of sending notice to the Advocate General will have to be followed.

Phadanvis demanded the AG be summoned before the House so that he can be questioned on what grounds the affidavit was made.
The Speaker said he would do so if the need arises.

However, Opposition members were not satisfied and rushed to the well shouting slogans against the AG.
Treasury bench members from Marathwada and Vidarbha were also on their feet demanding action against the AG.
The House had to be adjourned twice for 15 minutes and later for 30 minutes as the Speaker convened meeting of group leaders in his chambers to resolve the issue.