Congress MLA Nana Patole Suspended For A Day After Climbing Speaker’s Podium In Maharashtra Assembly

Mumbai, July 1, 2025: High drama unfolded in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on the second day of the Monsoon Session as Congress MLA Nana Patole was suspended for a day after he climbed Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s podium amid heated protests by Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) members.

The ruckus erupted after MVA legislators, including Patole, strongly objected to alleged derogatory remarks made by Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate and BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar regarding farmers. The Opposition demanded an immediate apology from the state government once the Question Hour concluded.

The controversy stemmed from Lonikar’s recent comments during a farmer gathering in Jalna, where he reportedly said critics of his party benefit from government schemes including clothes, mobiles, and agricultural aid. Kokate allegedly claimed that farmers misused loan waiver funds on weddings.

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Senior Congress leaders such as Vijay Wadettiwar, Aslam Shaikh, and Jyoti Gaikwad, joined Patole in approaching the Speaker’s chair to demand a retraction and a public apology from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. During the protest, Patole used strong words against the government, prompting Speaker Narwekar to caution him against using unparliamentary language.

Despite repeated warnings, Patole continued arguing near the Speaker’s podium. The situation escalated further when he climbed onto the Speaker’s platform, prompting Speaker Narwekar to order his suspension for the rest of the day. The decision led to an immediate walkout by the entire Opposition.

Chief Minister Fadnavis later condemned Patole’s actions, stating that such behaviour was inappropriate, especially from a former Speaker. MVA leaders, meanwhile, lashed out at the ruling BJP, accusing it of shielding leaders who insult farmers and stoke unrest with “irresponsible” statements.

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