Maharashtra Legislative Council was adjourned today following ruckus by Opposition members who demanded admission of their adjournment motion to discuss the issue of unseasonal rains affecting farmers in the state.
Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde (of NCP) today demanded a discussion on the losses suffered by farmers due to hailstorms and the recent unseasonal rains, by setting aside all other issues.
The government, however, maintained that a discussion would be held on the issues raised by the Opposition after the Question Hour.
Following the disruption of proceedings and slogan shouting by Opposition members against the government, the House was adjourned three times for 15 minutes each by Council Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare.
Later, as the ruling coalition and Opposition members continued to trade charges despite their leaders being summoned to Davkhare's chamber to sort out the issue, the House was adjourned for the day.
NCP leader Sunil Tatkare later told mediapersons that no issue was more important than the monetary losses suffered by farmers.
"The hailstorms and unseasonal rains have ruined the lives of farmers. We demanded that a discussion be held on that and the relief package of the government. But the government was not ready to hold a discussion. Thus, we boycotted the proceedings," Tatkare said.
Meanwhile, Munde said that the Opposition will continue with their demand for holding a discussion on the issue before anything else.
"The government needs to immediately do a panchnama of the losses suffered by farmers and declare a compensation package for them. In the 100 days of their government, 350 farmers have committed suicide. Until the government relents to our demands, we will not let the House function," he said.
