Political drama in Maharashtra continues even after the BJP government won a voice vote on Wednesday, as protesting Congress members have been slapped with a two-year suspension for allegedly roughing up Governor Vidyasagar Rao.
Following the voice vote, which the Devendra Fadnavis-led government won, the Congress and Shiv Sena levelled allegations of improper procedure, as the BJP-elected Speaker earlier refused to conduct a division of votes.
The Opposition then held a protest outside the assembly, and as Governor Rao attempted to make his way into the House to address the sitting, several Congress MLAs tried to block his entry, and in the process reportedly injured him.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prakash Mehta then moved a resolution to suspend Congress members Rahul Bondre, Virendra Jagtap, Amar Kale, Abdul Sattar and Jaikumar Gore.
The five had reportedly jostled the Governor and injured his hand, according to the Press Trust of India. Twelve more members of the Congress may face action for the chaos.
"Their action has lowered the dignity of the august House," Mehta said.
A committee headed by Speaker Haribhau Bagde will probe the incident.
"The Governor's left hand was injured. The issue does not end with an apology. This should not be tolerated," Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse said.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has accused the BJP of conspiring to prove majority.
The Speaker, however, has maintained that the demand for a fresh vote came late and the voice vote had already been passed.
Wednesday's events marked a marred beginning for the Fadnavis government, which has functioned as a minority government for 13 days.
