Wadettiwar protests Tupe's `political remarks' from Speaker's chair

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Friday accused NCP MLA Chetan Tupe of making political comments while sitting in the Speaker's chair during a debate on farmers' issues.

When several opposition members who had sought the discussion walked out midway, Tupe delivered ''political commentary'' which hurt the dignity of the post he was holding temporarily, Wadettiwar claimed.

He raised the issue when Speaker Rahul Narwekar was presiding over the House. ''Tupe was the presiding officer (on Thursday) and it is expected that the sanctity of that position is upheld. Is it right to make political speeches from that seat?'' he asked. ''This highest seat must not be used for partisanship. The Speaker should decide whether such commentary is permissible,'' said Wadettiwar, leader of the state Congress legislature party. Narwekar assured the House that such political remarks would not be repeated and constitutional procedural norms will be strictly followed.

Presiding officers must act strictly within the framework established by the Constitution, the Speaker added.

Wadettiwar said Tupe criticised opposition MLAs, suggesting their act of leaving the House during the debate for personal reasons undermined the commitment they professed to have towards farmers' welfare.

Tupe also named several absent members and chided them for shedding ''crocodile tears'' over farmers' issues, he said.

The debate on farmers' issues began around 4 pm on Thursday and went on till 10 pm.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)