Maharashtra assembly adjourned twice over CVC issue

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly was adjourned twice today after opposition objected to the state government's statement that chief minister Prithviraj Chavan would respond to allegations against him in the chief vigilance commissione (CVC) issue at an "appropriate time".

Parliamentary affairs minister Harshvardhan Patil told the Lower House that a meeting of group leaders, chief minister Chavan, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, speaker Dilip Walse Patil was held in the chambers of Legislative Council chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh on the issue pertaining to the appointment of PJ Thomas as the chief vigilance commissioner.

"The chief minister would respond to the charges against him at a appropriate time," Patil said.

Leader of opposition Eknath Khadse objected to the statement saying that the government should spell out clearly as to when Chavan would make a statement on the matter.

As opposition members were on their feet demanding a statement from the chief minister on the alleged irregularity in appointing Thomas as CVC, Congress members also gathered in the aisle to counter the opposition attack.

Samajwadi party MLA Abu Asim Azmi entered the well with a cloth banner on nine youths from Malegaon not being granted bail in the 2006 blast case.

Walse-Patil said it was not possible for him to conduct the proceedings and adjourned the house for 30 minutes.

Later deputy speaker Vasant Purke adjourned the House for an hour when the opposition continued to persist with their demand for a statement from the CM while Congress members were also in the aisle.

Earlier, when the House assembled for the day, question hour passed off peacefully with Purke in the chair.

When BJP members objected, he said group leaders along with chief minister and deputy chief minister are in a meeting on the CVC issue.