Opposition slams Maharashtra government for flip-flop over ministers' swearing-in

Mumbai: Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday criticised the Congress-NCP government for flip-flop over the timing of swearing-in of two ministers ahead of the monsoon session saying the state's image had taken a beating over the faux pas.

Taking an aggressive stand on first day of the monsoon session, Opposition members sported saffron turbans to celebrate the BJP-led NDA's victory in recent Lok Sabha polls.

Leader of Opposition Eknath Khadse questioned why the timing of swearing-in of two ministers was changed despite SMSes sent from the government that it would take place on Sunday afternoon.

"Even the changed timing of today at 9.30 AM was sent this morning. Yesterday, we changed our schedule to attend the swearing-in in the afternoon...why did the government take us for granted? We need an explanation," Khadse said.

To this, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said he was held up in Delhi for various meetings and returned to Mumbai at 6 PM. "After the Cabinet meeting and session eve tea party, I called on the Governor to inform him of the decision to induct two more ministers. I am aware SMSes were sent from my office about the swearing-in on Sunday afternoon. I will inquire into the incident. But, after you get invitation in writing, then only it is official communication," he said.

Khadse and Shiv Sena group leader Subhash Desai questioned as to whether the Opposition parties should not consider official communication sent on SMS to be genuine. "We get all information about legislature business on SMS. Should we not believe it?" Khadse asked.

The Opposition members demanded an apology from the government for misleading them and the people of the state.

Speaker Dilip Walse Patil asked the Opposition members to show him the SMSes received and said the Chief Minister should take necessary action.

Opposition members shouted slogans "chale jao chale jao...bhrastachari chale jao."

The Speaker also asked the Opposition members not to remove the turbans in the House.

"If you are wearing it...do it from the bottom of your heart and if you want to remove it go out of the House and do so," he said evoking laughter from the Opposition benches.

Chavan introduced newly sworn-in ministers Jitendra Awhad, Abdul Sattar and Minister of State Amit Deshmukh and newly elected Congress member from Risod Amit Zanak.