Speaker puts curbs on visitors to Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan

A day after supporters of two MLAs clashed in the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan premises, the speaker of the assembly Rahul Narwekar on Friday, 18 July, said no visitors will be allowed in the legislature complex during the session. Only ministers, legislators, their personal secretaries and officials will get entry, he said.

Announcing this in the assembly, he said that an ethics committee, empowered to disqualify members, will be formed within a week.

On Thursday, 17 July, supporters of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar came to blows inside the Maharashtra legislature complex, and Narwekar said he has sought a report from the chief security officer of Vidhan Bhavan.

The Speaker said ministers will not be allowed to hold official meetings and meet visitors in the legislature complex during the session. They will have to conduct their official briefings and meetings in Mantralaya, the state secretariat, he added.

MLAs will be held accountable for the conduct of persons accompanying them, Narwekar said.

Both Padalkar and Awhad expressed regret in the House over the scuffle between their supporters. Their two associates who were involved in the scuffle and have since been arrested, will face breach of privilege of the House.

He said an ethics committee will be set up in a week's time after consultation with the legislative council chairman Ram Shinde and will be empowered to disqualify the members.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the prestige of each and every one in the House was at stake and their credentials are being questioned in the public.

"People are saying all MLAs have become arrogant," he said.