Maharashtra CM hints at revoking suspension of opposition MLAs

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday hinted that he would move to withdraw the suspension of 19 Congress and NCP MLAs from the Assembly. The MLAs were suspended for disrupting House proceedings while the state budget was being read out and later burning the copies of the budget in the Assembly premises.

Speaking in the Legislative Council, Mr Fadnavis said he was positive about withdrawing the suspension. “I am aware of the issue. We also do not like that the entire opposition is out of the Assembly. We will positively take decision regarding suspended MLAs tomorrow,” Mr Fadnavis said.

After the suspension of the MLAs last week, all Congress and NCP lawmakers have boycotted House proceedings and only BJP and Shiv Sena members are attending the Lower House. The opposition members have launched ‘Sangharsh Yatra’ in Vidarbha to raise their voice in support of farmers and have refused to come back to the Assembly.

Sources in the Congress and NCP said some of the MLAs might come back to the House, after which the CM will move to take back the suspension. The opposition’s Sangharsh Yatra will continue till April 4 and end in Pune.