Maharashtra: Opposition demands apology from Lonikar for remarks against farmers

The Maharashtra assembly was on Wednesday adjourned for ten minutes following a ruckus as the opposition demanded apology from former minister Babanrao Lonikar for his remarks against farmers.

A video where the BJP leader is heard saying that farmers should not criticise the government as they have been recipients of the government's largesse in many ways had gone viral a few days ago.

Opposition MLAs led by Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Aaditya Thackeray demanded that Lonikar tender an apology.

He denied making any offensive statement. ''I am being accused of something I never said. This is all politically motivated,'' he told the House.

But Wadettiwar, Thackeray and other opposition MLAs refused to accept his claim and insisted on his unconditional apology.

As Lonikar stood his ground, the opposition MLAs shouted slogans. Amid the uproar, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for ten minutes.

Lonikar has been under fire over a speech he made at an event in Jalna district last week.

''We have given them (farmers) clothes, shoes, phones, yet they criticise us. PM Modi gave Rs 6,000 for sowing, the state gives the rest. We give money to others, their sisters and daughters, pension to (their) fathers,'' he had said.

Speaking to reporters outside the House, Aaditya Thackeray said Lonikar should apologise to farmers directly. ''If he wants to participate in the House proceedings (without tendering apology), we will not allow it. The BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena should not shield him,'' he said, adding that an attempt to defend Lonikar would mean the ruling alliance endorsed his remarks.

''More than 700 farmers have died by suicide in Maharashtra in the past three months. We do not want to be distracted by any other issue. we want to hold the government accountable,'' said the Sena (UBT) leader. Wadettiwar dismissed the BJP leader's defence that his comments were distorted. ''The video of his speech is already viral. People can hear what he said,'' said Wadettiwar. ''By supporting Lonikar, the state government has made it clear that it endorses his views. It appears the BJP shares his anti-farmer sentiments,'' he said.

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