NCP MLA Awhad wants Speaker's mace to be taken to his

Against the backdrop of at least two MLAs lifting the mace of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker on different occasions amid din, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad has requested the Chair to allow him to take the mace to his constituency as the people have "expressed desire" to see it.

Amid din in the Lower House earlier in the day over the state government's move to invoke MESMA (Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act) on anaganwadi workers, Shiv Sena MLA Dyanraj Chougule lifted the Speaker's mace.

Earlier this week, Independent MLA Bachu Kadu had lifted the mace as he was not allowed to speak on a bill.

In his letter to Speaker Haribhau Bagde, Awhad said since the time he became a legislator he was told about the sanctity of the mace.

"If the mace is lifted, the member concerned invites immediate suspension and the House is adjourned. But now, the mace is lifted at will due to which its dignity is lowered," he said.

People inmy constituency (Mumbra Kalwa in Thane district) have expressed their desire to see the mace," he stated.

"I assure you that I will bring the mace backto the House with dignity and respect after showing it to the people of my constituency," Awhad stated.