Sena legislator suspended for 'unparliamentary' language

Senior Shiv Sena legislator Diwakar Rawate was on Friday suspended from the Maharashtra Legislative Council for using 'unparliamentary' language in the chamber of the chairman during a meeting in connection with a debate over the multi-crore irrigation scam.

"Rawate used unparliamentary language during a meeting this morning in the Chairman's chamber," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshavardhan Patil who moved a proposal on the floor of the House to suspend Rawate, said.

As soon as the House proceedings began, Opposition members began pressing for debate on the irrigation scam.

However, Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare said he won't allow a debate and added that his decision was final after which the Opposition staged a walkout on the issue.

Soon after, Patil moved the suspension proposal. It was later kept for a voice vote in the presence of members from ruling parties and was passed in the House following which Rawate was suspended.

Later, speaking to reporters the MLA said that he was unaware as to why he was suspended. "What unparliamentary language did I use. Legislators from the treasury benches were making noisy scenes in the House," he said.