Maharashtra assembly: Nana Patole climbs speaker's podium; gets suspended

NEW DELHI: Congress MLA and former speaker Nana Patole was suspended from the Maharashtra assembly for a day on Tuesday after he climbed the Speaker's podium, demanding action against BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for their controversial comments about farmers.The protest led to a walkout by Congress and other opposition parties, who also announced a boycott of the day’s proceedings. Patole later told reporters he would continue to raise farmers' issues “even if it meant suspension every day.”The row stems from recent remarks made by the two BJP leaders. At a farmer gathering in Jalna district’s Partur constituency, Lonikar had said, “People who criticise his party and government should know they are getting clothes, shoes, mobile, monetary benefits of schemes and money for sowing because of us.”Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Kokate claimed that farmers were misusing loan waiver money and even crop insurance benefits. “One rupee is something even beggars don’t accept but the government is giving crop insurance for that sum, which is being misused by some persons,” he had said, according to news agency PTI.Shortly after Question Hour on Tuesday, Patole demanded that both leaders be held accountable for “insulting” farmers. He proceeded to climb the Speaker’s podium and was seen arguing with Speaker Rahul Narwekar. The House was briefly adjourned.When proceedings resumed, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Patole's actions were aggressive and inappropriate. “Patole should apologise,” he said.Instead, Patole again climbed the podium and reiterated his demand, prompting Speaker Narwekar to suspend him for the day.Speaking outside Vidhan Bhavan, Patole continued his attack. “I will continue to raise the issues of farmers in the House daily, even if I am suspended daily,” he said.He accused the state government of turning its back on key farmer issues such as loan waivers, crop insurance, and promised bonuses. “As long as no action is taken against BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for their alleged derogatory remarks about farmers, and unless CM Fadnavis apologises to farmers, we will not sit quietly,” Patole asserted.He also questioned the government’s commitment: “The BJP government announced a bonus for farmers, but never paid it. They have shut down the crop insurance scheme as well. Instead of supporting farmers, the ruling party leaders are insulting them.”“Lonikar said 'farmers live on our money', is this not insulting the very people who feed us?” he asked.Responding to Fadnavis’ comments about Assembly conduct, Patole said, “I have served as the speaker of this assembly... I understand the rules and procedures. I do not need a certificate from Devendra Fadnavis to tell me whether I respect the Chair or not.”Opposition MLAs from Congress and the Maha Vikas Aghadi staged a walkout, alleging the ruling side was suppressing discussions on farmer issues and penalising those who tried to speak out.NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Jitendra Awhad backed Patole’s protest. “The Congress leader was not even close to the speaker's chair,” he said. “Those who are now in power used to storm the well of the House when they were in the opposition. I have seen them surround the speaker over various issues. Today, when we raise genuine concerns, we are suspended.”Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also weighed in, citing farmer protests against the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway across 12 districts. “While farmers protest on streets, the state agriculture minister makes remarks against them, and BJP MLA Lonikar uses the language of favours. The government's silence indicates its support for these statements,” he said.“The struggle for farmers will continue. Even if they send us to jail, we are ready to fight for farmers,” Wadettiwar added.