Maharashtra assembly commences on a stormy note

Mumbai July 16 (UNI) The monsoon session of the Maharashgtra Assembly began on a stormy note today with the lower house being adjourned thrice over the drought like situation in the state and the opposition seeking to move an adjournment motion on the issue setting aside other business with Shiv Sena and BJP members rushing to the well of the house.

Besides the drought situation due to poor rainfall in several parts of the state a 4000 mw power deficit also was a matter of concern for the opposition as the house began the session with leader of the Opposition Ramdas Kadam demanding a discussion on the drought issue straight away. He drew support from BJP group leader Eknath Khadase and Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) leader Ganapatra Deshmukh.

Parliamentary affairs minister Harshvardhan Patil said the government was prepared for a disscusion on drought under different rule, but the opposition benches demanded that it should be taken up under an adjornmant motion.

Speaker Babasaheb kupekar had to adjourn the house intially for 15 minutes and subsequently twice and when it met after the third adjournmentt, the speaker said the issue would be discussed under Rule 101 today itself, after a condolence motion was adopted.

Even in the Legislative Council the issue cropped up with the leder of opposition Pandurang Phundkar demandign a discussion.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil assured that the house would discuss the issue after the condolence motion was adopted.

UNI XR/JM VK RL NS1442