Opposition walk out over Kamble 'insult'

The Opposition staged a walkout over refusal of minister of state for water resources Ranjit Kamble to suspend a deputy engineer and president and secretary of a water supply committee. The members also alleged that Kamble had insulted council chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh adding that the MoS had violated the propriety of legislative council by giving a different answer as compared to the cabinet minister Laxmanrao Dhobale.

Sena MLC Diwakar Raote, who raised the issue through a point of propriety, slammed Kamble for supporting corrupt officials. "Even though you have clearly stated that they were indulged in corruption, you refuse to suspend them." He was supported by leader of opposition Pandurang Phundkar.

Deshmukh, however, clarified that he had not issued any directives to the MoS and hence the minister had not insulted the chairman's august chair. This did not deter the opposition members from staging a walkout.

Higher and technical education minister Rajesh Tope assured to issue directives to Nagpur University to start genetic science course. He also assured to clear the proposals for PhD in commerce, graduation in molecular science and PhD in Urdu if they were held up on account of staff.