Mumbai: The State government’s decision to allegedly cancel the discussion on allegations of corruption against a Parbhani-based sugar mill, IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar and Housing Minister Prakash Mehta led to a ruckus in the Assembly on Thursday.
Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said, “It is the last week of the monsoon session, and Opposition leaders have the right to submit proposals for discussions of their interest. We strongly object to the government’s decision to cancel the discussion.”
Mr. Chavan said the Opposition wanted a discussion on Gangakhed Sugar and Energy Ltd., which is alleged to have availed loan worth ₹328 crore in the names of farmers without their consent.
Mr. Chavan said the Opposition had also raised serious points regarding the corruption scandals involving Mr. Mehta and Mr. Mopalwar, which need to be discussed.
Parliamentary affairs minister Girish Bapat strongly objected to Mr. Chavan’s demand. “The leaders from the Opposition have demanded discussion on some 10 issues. There isn’t enough time for this, and the House has many other procedures to complete. Hence, government has decided to cancel discussion on these issues.”
Mr. Bapat, however, faced opposition from his own party, after former Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse sided with the Congress and NCP. “It is the Opposition which has to decide the subjects in the last week’s discussion. The ruling party should have consulted with the Opposition before deleting any topics,” he said.
Similar allegations were made in the Council by leader of the Opposition Dhananjay Munde, who alleged that the mention of corruption scandals had been purposely deleted from the Opposition’s motion.
Subhash Sabne, pro-term speaker of the House, suggested that the ruling and Opposition party leaders together finalise the topics for discussions. But the sugar mill issue was dropped from the list.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chavan raised an adjournment motion, mentioning a sting operation that had revealed that a former CEO of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority had allegedly admitted to have paid ₹7 crore as bribe to the former State Chief Secretary to stop his transfer. Mr. Chavan demanded a CBI inquiry, saying that the transfer and appointment of IAS officers also has the involvement of the Chief Minister. He did not, however, mention any names.