In a dramatic turn of events in the Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday, Congress state president and MLA Nana Patole was suspended for the remainder of the Monsoon session after he climbed onto the Speaker’s podium to protest against the government. The incident led to uproar, adjournments, and fierce exchanges as Patole targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led state government over inflation, unemployment, and farmers’ issues.
🔍 What Happened In The Assembly?
The Monsoon session was underway with a scheduled discussion on the State Budget 2025-26, when Nana Patole rose to speak during Zero Hour. He launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Maharashtra government, stating:
“Modi might be the BJP’s messiah, but he is not God. People are suffering under record price rise, joblessness, and farmers’ distress. The government has failed to address these core issues.”
When Speaker Rahul Narwekar asked him to stick to procedural decorum, Patole, raising slogans, climbed onto the Speaker’s podium in protest. Marshals intervened as Treasury benches objected vehemently, demanding his suspension for breach of Assembly conduct.
🏛️ Resolution For Suspension
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil moved a motion seeking Patole’s suspension, stating:
“Such behaviour is unacceptable in the House. Members cannot threaten constitutional positions. This is a breach of privilege and dignity.”
The motion was passed by voice vote amid Congress MLAs shouting slogans demanding Patole’s reinstatement.
📊 Legislative Action Summary
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | Nana Patole climbs Speaker’s podium | Suspended for Monsoon session |
| July 4 | Motion moved by Chandrakant Patil | Passed by voice vote |
| July 4 | Congress protests in Assembly | Adjournment for 30 minutes |
🗣️ Nana Patole’s Statement After Suspension
Speaking to media outside the Assembly premises, Patole said:
“They can suspend me, but they cannot suspend people’s questions. I raised farmers’ issues, MSP promises, and youth unemployment. Modi might be BJP’s messiah, but Maharashtra’s farmers, unemployed youth, and middle class are not his priority.”
He accused the state government of using suspension tactics to muzzle the opposition ahead of crucial local body and assembly elections.
🏦 BJP’s Reaction
BJP leaders condemned Patole’s behaviour, with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating:
“He has insulted the dignity of the Assembly and Speaker’s Chair. Opposition leaders should set an example, not incite disorder.”
BJP MLAs also accused Congress of resorting to dramatics to regain lost ground ahead of upcoming civic polls in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
🔎 Key Issues Raised By Patole Before Suspension
| Issue | Congress’ Criticism |
|---|---|
| Price rise | Uncontrolled inflation of essential commodities hurting common people. |
| Unemployment | Lack of new job creation despite big industrial MoUs announced. |
| Farm distress | Pending dues under crop insurance schemes; sugarcane MSP demands. |
| Local body polls | Alleged delays to weaken opposition’s grassroots hold. |
🏆 Nana Patole’s Political Profile
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nana Falgunrao Patole |
| Party | Indian National Congress |
| Current Position | Maharashtra Congress President, MLA from Sakoli |
| Previous Roles | Ex-Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly (2019-21), former BJP MP |
| Known for | Aggressive speeches, farmer issues, switching from BJP to Congress in 2018 |
💡 Broader Assembly Proceedings On July 4
Apart from Patole’s suspension, the Assembly discussed:
- Supplementary demands under Budget 2025-26
- Approval of Rs 5,000 crore rural infrastructure package
- Introduction of the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee (Amendment) Bill, 2025
🗣️ Analysts’ Views
Prakash Bal, Political Analyst, Mumbai University:
“Patole’s dramatic protest reflects Congress’ strategy to project itself as the farmers’ and unemployed youth’s voice before civic polls. Suspension helps BJP portray him as undisciplined while energising Congress cadre as the government’s suppressor of dissent.”
Supriya Sule, NCP (SP) MP:
“Protesting in a democracy is a right, but podium climbing sets a dangerous precedent. The House must maintain decorum while allowing opposition’s voice.”
🔬 Recent Similar Suspensions In State Assemblies
| State | Leader Suspended | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Samajwadi Party MLAs | Throwing papers at Speaker’s Chair |
| Karnataka | Congress MLA U.T. Khader | Walking into well and disrupting proceedings |
| West Bengal | BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul | Displaying placards near Speaker’s dais |
🔮 Political Impact Ahead
- Congress plans to launch statewide agitations highlighting Patole’s suspension as an example of BJP’s intolerance towards criticism.
- BJP likely to frame the suspension as discipline enforcement, projecting opposition as irresponsible.
- The incident may sharpen polarisation in the Maharashtra Assembly, which resumes Budget demands discussion on Friday.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Nana Patole suspended from Maharashtra Assembly for climbing Speaker’s podium while protesting against Modi government’s handling of price rise, unemployment, and farm distress.
- Congress calls it an attack on opposition’s democratic rights while BJP terms it a breach of legislative decorum.
- The episode adds fuel to Maharashtra’s intensifying political battle ahead of municipal polls, setting the stage for high-decibel confrontations between ruling and opposition benches.
📌 Disclaimer
This news content is for informational and editorial purposes only. Data has been sourced from Maharashtra Assembly proceedings, party press conferences, and political analyst inputs. Readers are advised to follow official state legislature records for verified proceedings and motions.
