The Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday witnessed noisy scenes after the Opposition took umbrage at BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar terming “vague” the topic of discussion on the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial in the Arabian Sea. The din forced the Speaker to adjourn the House four times.
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan led the Opposition’s charge on the issue. He claimed that the height of the statue had been lowered by 7.5 m and the sword’s height raised by the same length. Mr. Chavan said the government was reducing the height of the statue to reduce expenses. He said: “We will not tolerate any changes in the height of the statue.”
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mr. Chavan was misleading the House. He said: “The Congress-NCP government did not act when they were in power for 15 years. The height of the statue has not been reduced in any way. We are committed to construct the world’s tallest statue.”
Mr. Fadnavis clarified that the first design of the statue sent to the Environment Ministry was a “schematic” one to get clearance. He said the consultants later worked out a design that would enable the statue “withstand the pressures of the gutsy sea wind and waves”.
Mr. Bhatkhalkar then objected to Mr. Chavan’s statement and raised a point of order against it. He alleged that Mr. Chavan was raising a “vague” issue to sidetrack the business of the House. The Opposition members strongly objected to Mr. Bhatkhalkar’s remarks. Leader of the Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said, “Mr. Bhatkhalkar should apologise and be suspended for calling the issue vague.”
Mr. Bhatkhalkar said he did not intend to talk about Chhatrapati Shivaji. He said, “I only used the word bhalatach [any random issue]. It was relating to Mr. Chavan. I did not even name Shivaji Maharaj. But keeping in mind the sentiments of members of the House, I apologise to the House and entire Maharashtra. Despite this explanation, if anyone’s feelings are hurt, then I take my words back.”
