Nagpur: Assembly speaker Haribhau Bagde on Monday pulled up MLAs who were busy on their mobile phones while the House was paying homage to the departed former members of the House and the former state governor.
The Legislative Assembly paid tribute to former state governor Omprakash Mehra, former minister Dr Sayyad Ahmad, former Lt governor Ram Kapse, former deputy speaker of the state Assembly Pramod Shende, former members Madan Vishwas Patil, Mohanrao Pandurang Gudge, Amrutrao Gangaram Rane, Ramji Mahadu Wartha, Bhagwanshah, Jiwanshah Masram, Baburao Mahadeo Narke and Nivratirao Bhikaji Gaidhane.
As soon as the House assembled, Leader of the House and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis moved a condolence motion to condole the sad demises. Speaker Haribhau Bagde was in the chair.
However, even as the chief minister was speaking on the motion, several members of the House from ruling as well as Opposition parties were busy with the mobile phones. After the CM completed his speech, Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil paid homage to these leaders. However, a number of MLAs continued to be engrossed in their mobile phones. Finally, the Speaker had to issue instructions from the chair to stop usage of mobile phones while the House was working.
“Please stop using mobile phones otherwise I will have to send you out of the House,” said the Speaker, who was visibly upset.
However, the Speaker’s warning had little effect on the proceedings as certain MLAs continued to pay attention to their mobile phones even as the speeches on the condolence motion continued.
In the Legislative Council, Leader of the House and state Agriculture minister Eknath Khadse moved the motion. Chairman Ram Raje Nimbalkar was in the chair.
After the speeches were over, both the Houses observed two minutes of silence and were adjourned for the day.
