Congress MLA Nana Patole Suspended from Maharashtra Assembly for a Day After Protest Over Farmers’ Remarks
Maharashtra Congress MLA and former Assembly Speaker Nana Patole was suspended from the state legislative assembly for a day on Tuesday after a heated protest during the session.
The incident occurred shortly after Question Hour, when Patole demanded strict action against BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for their controversial remarks about farmers.
In a show of protest, Patole climbed onto the Speaker’s podium and engaged in a tense exchange with Speaker Rahul Narwekar.
In response to the disruption, the House was adjourned for five minutes.
When the session resumed, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Patole’s conduct, stating that his aggressive approach toward the Speaker was inappropriate and unbecoming of a former Speaker. Fadnavis urged Patole to apologise.
However, instead of backing down, Patole once again approached the Speaker’s podium and reiterated his demand for action against Lonikar and Kokate.
Taking serious note of the repeated disruption, Speaker Narwekar announced Patole’s suspension from the House for the remainder of the day.
The controversy stems from recent remarks made by Lonikar and Kokate that sparked outrage among the opposition.
Addressing a group of farmers in Partur, his constituency in Jalna district, Lonikar had stated, “Those who criticise our party and government should remember they are receiving clothes, footwear, mobile phones, financial aid under schemes, and farming support because of us.”
Similarly, Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate drew criticism for suggesting that farmers were misusing government loan waivers. He claimed that many farmers spent the funds on weddings instead of agricultural needs.
He also remarked, “One rupee today means nothing—even beggars don’t accept it—but the government provides crop insurance for that amount, which is being misused by some.”
