Pratap Sarnaik says that Shreehari Aney is issuing controversial statements just for the sake of garnering cheap publicity.
Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik criticised Maharashtra Advocate General Shreehari Aney for demanding statehood for Marathwada. Sarnaik compared Aney with Owaisi who is known for making controversial statements. He also questioned the intention of Aney for issuing such statement and said that the latter should concentrate on his work. Aney’s demand for separate Marathwada has already created a furore in the assembly as Congress-NCP and Shiv Sena raised slogans and demanded his resignation.
“He is the Owaisi of Maharashtra. Why did Aney make such statements during the budget session of the state assembly? People like him are issuing these statements just for the sake of garnering cheap publicity. We will not allow the house to function until Aney steps down. What Aney is saying tantamounts to insult of martyrs who laid down their lives in the struggle for united Maharashtra,” said Pratap Sarnaik.
Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse said, “The government doesn’t support statements made by Aney and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will issue a clarification about this matter on Tuesday.”
Despite of this, opposition leaders disrupted the proceedings of the house and it was adjourned for the day.
Congress MLA Nitesh Rane tweeted, “Aney should be beheaded then he will understand what the bifurcation of Maharashtra means.”
On the other hand legislative affairs minister Girish Bapat said that a decision about this issue will be taken after having a discussion with all the members of the assembly.
NCP leader Jayant Patil said, “Strict action must be taken against Aney. We are in favour of united Maharashtra and nobody should think about its division. Several people have lied down their lives for Samyukta Maharashtra movement.”
Leader of opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said, “Action must be taken against Aney for demanding statehood for Marathwada. Aney who had earlier pitched for separate Vidharbha has now started demanding statehood for Marathwada. It is an irresponsible statement made by a personal holding senior post like Aney.”
“He should concentrate on his own work and refrain from making political statements. Thus by demanding separate Marathwada he is creating a new controversy. When Aney had demanded statehood for Vidharbha house was disrupted for two days. The government had then softened its stand on Aney by saying it is his personal views,” he added.
“The government should sack Aney or else it will be construed that it is backing him,” NCP MLA Dilip Walse Patil said.
Aney, at an event in Jalna on Sunday where he disbursed relief to families of farmers who committed suicide, said Marathwada bore more injustice than Vidarbha and should therefore be independent.
He also called people of Marathwada to start a movement for formation of a separate state.
Speaking outside the Assembly, State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said “Is Aney an agent for dividing the state?”
