Maharashtra Speaker To Hold Meet Over Disqualification Of Rebels Today

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar is expected to hold a meeting to discuss NCP's disqualification petition on Monday.

State NCP President Jayant Patil has moved the disqualification petition against Ajit Pawar and eight others.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Narwekar said, "I have received the petition filed by Jayant Patil seeking disqualification of the nine NCP MLAs. I will read it carefully. I will study the points mentioned and take appropriate action on the petition."

"These defections were done in such a secretive manner, without the knowledge or consent of the Party President, amounts to the desertion of the party which in turn invites disqualification," the NCP resolution said.

"These actions of the nine MLAs call for immediate disqualification as not only are such defections ipso facto seriously damaging to the party but also that if allowed to continue as members, there is a very real likelihood that they will continue to try and undermine the interests of the party," it added.

The fact that these defections were done in such a secretive manner, "without the knowledge or consent of the party president", amounts to the desertion of the party which in turn invites disqualification, it said.

"We take cognisance of the same and direct appropriate steps may be taken in accordance with the party constitution and rules as also the tenth schedule of the Constitution of India. As per the procedure, party president Sharad Pawar has been informed and consulted for the same," the resolution said.

Asked how many NCP MLAs have supported Ajit Pawar, Narvekar said, "I have no information about it."

The Speaker also said it is his prerogative to decide on the appointment of a new opposition leader in the Assembly.

The NCP on Sunday appointed Jitendra Awhad as the leader of opposition in the state Assembly after incumbent LoP Ajit Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde government as deputy chief minister.