Suspension of legislators 'undemocratic': Gopinath Munde

MUMBAI: Terming the suspension of two members from the state legislature over certain remarks as "undemocratic", senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde today said the presiding officers should ensure that punishment is proportionate.

"The presiding officers should decide whether to listen to the directions given by the government," Munde told reporters at Vidhan Bhawan. "We have a responsible opposition. We need a responsive government," the BJP deputy leader in Lok Sabha said.

Shiv Sena member of Legislative Council Diwakar Raote and MNS MLA Pravin Darekar recently faced action for remarks in the respective Houses.

"Earlier, the suspension used to be for a few days, weeks or months. Now it is for a year or two," Munde said. "The message going out is that the government does not want legislators to perform their duties," he said.

Meanwhile, protesting their "gagging", opposition legislators today conducted a "mock legislature" in the Assembly after the House was adjourned for the day amid noisy scenes.