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Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Monday reprimanded NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad after remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during debate on the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, warning that any repeat would attract suspension. The outburst interrupted proceedings and prompted party leaders to demand immediate disciplinary action.
What happened on the floor
During the legislative discussion, several ruling party members protested vocally at comments they found offensive to the state’s revered historical figure. The disturbance forced Narwekar to halt the session and address the Assembly directly.
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The Speaker ordered Awhad to withdraw his words and issue an apology on the record. Narwekar also instructed that the offending remarks be expunged from the official proceedings.
Reactions and immediate fallout
BJP MLA Nitesh Rane responded strongly, calling the apology insufficient and urging that Awhad be suspended without delay. His demand intensified the atmosphere on the floor and led to a short adjournment while order was restored.
Awhad later expressed regret in the House, saying he retracted the statement and apologised for any hurt caused by his words.
- Moment of disruption: Comments made during the Freedom of Religion Bill debate.
- Speaker’s response: Order to withdraw, apologise, and expunge remarks.
- Party reaction: Calls for suspension from some ruling party members.
- Session impact: Short adjournment to defuse the situation.
Why this matters now
Debates over historical figures remain politically sensitive in Maharashtra; insults or perceived disrespect can quickly become flashpoints that derail legislative business. For lawmakers, the episode underscores strict rules of parliamentary decorum and the risks politicians face when remarks touch cultural or religious sentiment.
Beyond decorum, the incident may sharpen partisan tensions ahead of upcoming legislative work. A formal suspension has not been announced, but the Speaker’s warning signals a low tolerance for similar conduct going forward.
Procedural note
When a Speaker orders remarks expunged, those words are removed from the recorded transcript of the sitting, though accounts of the event remain part of public reporting. Such measures aim to preserve the official record while addressing breaches of conduct.
The Assembly resumed after the brief adjournment and continued its consideration of the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026.
