MNS to appeal to new Speaker against suspension

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has decided to appeal before the new Speaker against the suspension of four of its legislators.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has decided to appeal before the new Speaker against the suspension of four of its legislators.

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MNS Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Shishir Shinde, Ram Kadam, Ramesh Wanjale and Vasant Gite were suspended for four years on Monday for assaulting Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Asim Azmi.

The suspension has reduced the strength of Raj Thackeray’s party in the Assembly from 13 to nine.

Pravin Darekar, Magathane legislator and MNS general secretary said: “After the new speaker is elected, we will present our case before him and ask him to revert the suspension order passed by the pro-tem speaker.”

Darekar added that the MNS would consider seeking legal recourse if its plea is not entertained.

The Speaker of the Assembly will be elected on Wednesday.

The errant legislators may be asked to apologise to the House and give an undertaking of good behaviour if the Assembly or the speaker decides to revoke or reduce their suspension.

Ghatkopar West legislator Ram Kadam, who was one of those suspended, ruled out any apology.

“What wrong have we done to apologise? Is upholding the cause of Marathi a crime?” Kadam asked.

Azmi, meanwhile, also toughened his stance saying that he would fight to ensure the suspensions are not revoked.

“Our image will be tarnished if such legislators are pardoned,” said Azmi. He said he would fight the issue in the legislature, courts and even on the streets.

Across the city, MNS workers erected banners on Tuesday condemning Azmi.

Petition against Raj in apex court

A writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday seeking registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for assaulting Samajwadi Party Member of Legislative Assembly Abu Asim Azmi.

The petition, filed by one Salek Chand Jain, also sought a direction to the Election Commission to de-recognise the MNS for sparking violence “throughout the country” by whipping up parochial feelings.