Maharashtra Assembly faces temporary chaos

The opposition in the Maharashtra legislature on Tuesday stalled proceedings, demanding an immediate statement from the government on police firing on protesting farmers in Pune. Both the houses were adjourned.

The opposition in the Maharashtra legislature on Tuesday stalled proceedings, demanding an immediate statement from the government on police firing on protesting farmers in Pune. Both the houses were adjourned.

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The issue was raised through a ‘point of information’ by BJP legislators Sanjay Bhegade and Girish Mahajan.

Minister of state for home Satej Patil said a statement will be made later. When the House re-assembled, home minister R R Patil said farmers were demanding that water from Pavana dam in Maval taluka be used only for agriculture and not for drinking purposes.

“They turned violent and started pelting stones and torched vehicles. Police had to open fire to control the mob. There is no information on the loss of lives,” he said.

Patil said the job of the police was to bring the situation under control as soon as possible. He criticised the opposition of holding the House to ransom.