Ambadas Danves’ suspension shortened; returns to Legislative Council despite controversy

Mumbai: In a significant turn of events, the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Thursday decided to reduce the suspension of opposition leader Ambadas Danve from five days to three, allowing him to return to legislative proceedings from Friday. The decision followed Danve’s formal apology in a letter, which led to a resolution to extend his suspension.

Reacting to this development, BJP MP Chandrakant Patil moved a proposal during the meeting to reduce the period of suspension of Ambadas Danve. This move came amid debates and discussions in the council on the appropriateness of the initial suspension and the subsequent apology.

Explaining the reasons behind the decision, Deputy Speaker Neelam Gorhe said, “Due to the use of unparliamentary language by the Leader of the Opposition on July 2, entry to the Vidhan Bhavan area was restricted. In view of his apology, the curfew period was reduced from 5 days to 3 days. Danve expressed regret in a letter, which led to this adjustment.”

Following the announcement, Ambadas Danve commented on the delay in lifting his suspension, remarking, “They should have lifted the suspension immediately after my apology. Instead, it took three days. I will be attending the sessions again from Friday, so I will have a total suspension of four to five days. Although I was denied entry into the hall, I continued to speak to the public during my Janata Darbar.”

The decision to shorten Danve’s suspension came after a heated argument on Monday between members of the ruling and opposition parties, during which Danve faced allegations from BJP MP Prasad Lad about his behaviour and language towards his parliamentary colleagues. Lad’s demand for Danve’s apology and resignation as opposition leader further fuelled tensions within the council.

Looking ahead to his upcoming return, Danve reiterated his determination to vigorously represent the opposition. “I will continue to confront the ruling party with the same determination as before,” he said.