Maharashtra Legislative Council’s Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe | Vijay Gohil/FPJ
Maharashtra Legislative Council on Wednesday passed a resolution by voice vote, expressing confidence in deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe, who has been targeted by the Opposition over her controversial remarks about the ‘Mercedes cars for posts in Shiv Sena (UBT)’ claim.
BJP MLC Pravin Darekar moved the motion in the Upper House of the legislature. Chairperson Ram Shinde accepted the motion.
The opposition opposed the motion, questioning the rule under which the chairman allowed its presentation and passage. Protesting, they entered the well of the House, raising slogans against the chairman. Darekar called it inappropriate to corner the chairman. The uproar forced two adjournments, followed by an opposition walkout.
On March 5, Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve and other members submitted a no-confidence motion notice against Gorhe. However, Ram Shinde rejected it on Tuesday due to technical errors in the notice. The opposition objected to this decision and demanded a discussion. Legislative Council chairman Ram Shinde said, “The notice regarding the removal of deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe from her position is deemed unacceptable. Therefore, I am rejecting this notice, and no further action will be taken on it in the Council.”
As per Article 183(c) of the Indian Constitution and Rules 11 and 103 of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, a minimum notice period of 14 days is required for such a resolution. Additionally, the resolution must present a clear and specific issue. Since the notice lacked any clear and definite grounds, Shinde ruled it unacceptable.
