Uproar in Maharashtra legislative council: Desai-Parab clash over 'traitor' jab halts proceedings; Deputy chairperson orders removal of remarks from official records
The Maharashtra legislative council experienced a heated exchange on Thursday between minister Shambhuraj Desai and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab, following a contentious "traitor" remark directed at Desai, resulting in a brief adjournment of the House.
The intense debate arose during discussions regarding a proposal to allocate 50 per cent of units in new housing societies for Marathi residents. Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe subsequently ordered the removal of both leaders' remarks from official records.
During Question Hour, Milind Narvekar of Shiv Sena (UBT) enquired about a social organisation's request for 50 per cent housing reservation for Marathi people in the city.
Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, who oversees Housing, responded in writing that no such correspondence was received.
BJP's Chitra Wagh supported the 50 per cent reservation proposal and questioned if similar initiatives existed during Uddhav Thackeray's chief ministership. Minister Desai, responding for Shinde, confirmed no such proposals existed during the MVA government's tenure.
The situation escalated when Parab mentioned his previous private member's bill regarding housing reservation for Marathi speakers.
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Desai's response about MVA's inaction led to a confrontation, with Parab using the term "gaddar" towards Desai, prompting a challenge for confrontation outside the House.
Following the 10-minute adjournment and resumption, Desai affirmed the government's commitment to prioritising Marathi people in housing schemes. Sachin Ahir of Sena (UBT) highlighted concerns about non-residents purchasing properties for investment, citing BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's Khar flat situation.
Later, speaking to reporters, Desai explained the exchange occurred during debates about protecting native Maharashtrians' housing rights. He defended his response to Parab's provocation, citing their previous roles in the MVA government and their shared connection to Balasaheb Thackeray's teachings.
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