Appropriation (supplementary) bill passed amid din

Mumbai, Mar 28 (UNI) The Maharashtra Appropriation (Supplementary) Bill was today passed amid pandemonium in the State Assembly with the members cutting across party lines demanding that the government inform the Lower House on what transpired between Governor S M Krishna, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and Finance Minister Jayant Patil with regards to the allocation of funds.

Members from North Maharashtra trooped into the well of the House after NCP member Suresh Jain supported the demand raised by BJP leader Gopinath Munde that the Finance Minister first make a detailed statement on what directives the Governor had isued while giving his assent to the Bill.

Mr Jain said of the Rs 1,041 crore the supplementary demands for irrigation department passed by the Lower House, North Maharashtra has been allocated Rs 385 crore. ''But, it is said that the Governor has given permission to disburse only Rs 100 crore for the region''.

This led to angry protests by members from both the treasury and the opposition benches belonging to the region.

The bill was passed by a voice vote amid pandemonium, when Deputy Speaker Pramod Shende adjourned the House for 30 minutes. Later, when the House re-assembled, the members continued with their demand that the Finance Minister make a statement regarding the fresh directives from the Governor after which he gave his permission to the bill following a four-day delay.

Mr Girish Bapat, who was in the chair, adjourned the House again for 30 minutes.

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