Irrigation scam again stalls proceedings in House

MUMBAI: Proceedings in the Maharashtra Legislative Council were adjourned four times on Thursday, as the treasury and the opposition benches could not find agreement as to whether a debate could be held on the alleged Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam in the state.

The proceedings were stalled over the issue for the second day. Yesterday, Shiv Sena, BJP and PWP had proposed a debate.

Senior Sena MLC Diwakar Rawate said that as the matter was in the court, Advocate General Darius Khambatta be called to the House to clarify whether the legislature could debate it.

However, industries minister Narayan Rane ( Congress) read out a rule which says that when the matter is sub-judice, no debate can be held on it in the House. After which, Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare asked Leader of Opposition Vinod Tawde (BJP) not to continue with debate.

Opposition legislators asked Davkhare to give a ruling on whether a debate will be held on the issue in future, after which Davkhare adjourned the House. It is alleged that Rs 70,000 crore spent on irrigation sector in the last decade has not led to commensurate increase in the irrigation capacity. PILs, alleging corruption and seeking CBI inquiry, are before the Bombay High Court.