Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Issues Stern Warning to NCP MLA Over Shivaji Maharaj Remarks
In a significant development in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Monday delivered a strong warning to Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Jitendra Awhad. The warning came after Awhad made what were deemed objectionable comments about the revered historical figure Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a heated debate on the proposed Freedom of Religion Bill 2026.
Speaker's Directive and Apology Demand
Speaker Narwekar explicitly cautioned Awhad that any repetition of such remarks against Shivaji Maharaj or other national icons would result in immediate suspension from the House proceedings. The Speaker issued a clear directive, ordering Awhad to formally retract his statements and offer a comprehensive apology on the Assembly floor. Furthermore, Narwekar mandated that all references to the objectionable comments be permanently expunged from the official legislative records to maintain the dignity of parliamentary proceedings.
Assembly Disruption and Political Reactions
The controversy triggered substantial disruption within the Assembly chamber, leading Speaker Narwekar to adjourn the session for ten minutes. This decision followed loud protests and objections from ruling party legislators who expressed strong disapproval of Awhad's comments, creating considerable commotion in the House.
Bharatiya Janata Party minister Nitesh Rane emerged as one of the most vocal critics, demanding Awhad's immediate suspension from the Assembly. Rane argued that a simple token apology would be insufficient for what he characterized as an insult to a figure considered the spiritual and historical deity of Maharashtra. The minister emphasized the need for more substantial disciplinary action against the NCP (SP) legislator.
MLA's Formal Apology and Retraction
Following the Speaker's warning and mounting political pressure, Jitendra Awhad complied with the directives by issuing a formal apology on the Assembly floor. The MLA expressed sincere regret for any hurt caused to public sentiments and explicitly retracted his earlier statements. Awhad acknowledged the sensitive nature of comments concerning historical figures of national importance and committed to maintaining appropriate decorum in future legislative debates.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Maharashtra Assembly regarding historical reverence and parliamentary conduct, particularly during discussions on sensitive legislative matters like the Freedom of Religion Bill. The Speaker's firm intervention establishes a precedent for maintaining respect toward national icons during political discourse while balancing the need for robust legislative debate.
