Won't suppress MLAs' dissent but exemplary action if conduct unruly: Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Suresh Narwekar

Colaba boy Rahul Suresh Narwekar is thrilled with his latest assignment: Speakership of Maharashtra assembly, a coveted office held in the past by stalwarts such as V S Page, Sheshrao Wankhede, Shivraj Patil and Dilip Walse-Patil. The lawyer-turned-politician answered questions ahead of the monsoon session, which may turn out to be stormy, in a conversation held at his Vidhan Sabha office with Ambarish Mishra and Vaibhav Purandare.Narwekar was elected speaker early this month.
Q: How does it feel to occupy one of the top-heavy offices in the state?
A: I'll be taking a wide-angle view of Vidhan Sabha. This would help me understand the state's urgent problems.
Q: When will the monsoon session begin?
A: I am awaiting the Governor's summons in this regard. I think it should happen soon.
Q: Did the business advisory committee (BAC) meet?
A: No.
Q: The assembly's monsoon session could be a stormy one following huge political turmoil.
A: I don't think so. The business will be smooth. The new regime is fairly stable and the CM will soon expand the state cabinet.
Q: SC is currently busy with constitutional issues in the wake of formation of the Eknath Shinde government. Do you see this as a face-off between judiciary and legislature? A constitutional impasse?
A: There is no such impasse. Courts have in the past desisted from getting into issues which fall in the domain of the legislature. It is the Speaker who has to decide, and I haven't as yet pronounced my ruling on the matter. But there is no constitutional deadlock. We have a mature judiciary and a responsible legislature -- and the Constitution is there to safeguard fundamental rights. Second, Maharashtra has a vibrant democratic tradition. My first day as speaker was fruitful. The house did business for nine hours. There is ample scope for productive work in the session.
Q: Saamna's executive editor alleged the speaker has violated the Constitution.
A: Speaker derives his powers from the Constitution. And its interpretation is subjective, but that does not mean a stand taken is unconstitutional. Responsible parties must bear this in mind and lead by example rather than ridicule a constitutional office unwarrantedly.
Q: Cases of uproar are on the rise. Legislators rush to the 'well', and many legislators were suspended last year.
A: A law-maker's chief task is to make laws and pass bills. People want legislators to be their true representatives and do productive work. Any attempt to demean the office of the Speaker, who derives strength from the Constitution, would mean ridiculing the Constitution. Such attempts will be dealt with firmly and in an exemplary manner. But no injustice will be done and no voice suppressed provided members adhere to rules. Members can't raise points of order and points of procedure at their will. They will have to cite relevant rules. After all, I am a lawyer (laughs).
Q: How do you plan to streamline functioning of the assembly?
A: I am working on a two-pronged strategy. My short-term plans are: No bill to be okayed without a proper debate, and a paper-free Vidhan Sabha. I also want the state legislature to go online. Most of us worked from home during the pandemic. I'm keen on replicating this example in legislature. MLAs too should go virtual. I want our MLAs to go abroad, visit Parliaments and understand their rules, interact with foreign experts on, say, public health, education and irrigation. We are working on a plan to send MLAs to Israel which boasts a world-class irrigation technology. I recently held discussions with the consul general of Israel and deputy consul general of Britain in this connection. Also, I will be shortly going to Canada for a conference of presiding officers. Such interactions will strengthen our democracy.
Q: Your take on first-time MLAs.
A: We are witnessing a new era of young politicians. New faces symbolise hope. The average age of the present assembly is 43. I am going to allocate proportionate time to debutant legislators during debates. I think young legislators are better equipped to absorb new ideas. But they must observe rules.
Q: It is often seen that in debates, legislators keep raising questions exclusive to their constituencies and larger issues concerning the state are ignored.
A: This happens because every MLA is worried about the next election. We need to make a difference between electoral politics and legislative politics. Members can avail of legislative devices such as question hour to focus on their constituencies. But they need to look at the larger picture.
Q: What made you accept the Speaker's post at an early age? You are 44.
A: I take a different view. Gone are the days when veterans were made to sit in the Speaker's chair. Young politicians can profit from holding key posts. I think speakership will enhance my political and legislative understanding and stand me in good stead.