Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SD)

Mumbai, Sep 8: The Shiv Sena moved a breach of privilege motion against Republic TV’s managing director and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami and film actor Kangana Ranaut on the second day of the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, September 8. The motion against Kangana was over her remarks comparing Mumbai to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Shiv Sena MLA, Pratap Sarnaik in his motion against Goswami accused him of using derogatory language and passing baseless remarks against chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar and frequently insulting Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha members during TV debates.

“In the name of independent media, he has been maligning the image of the Chief Minister, Pawar saheb and other elected representatives. We condemn this and demand that strict action be initiated by the House,” he said.

Parliamentary affairs minister Parab seconded the proposal amid vocal opposition from the BJP and urged the presiding chair to accept the motion. “When someone targets the Prime Minister, you get angry. Then why don’t you also feel the same angst when someone wrongfully targets the Chief Minister,” said Parab.

The motion was also supported by NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi. “While everyone was free to express their opinion in our democracy, there has to be some decorum,” Bhujbal said.

Narhari Zirwal, the deputy speaker and presiding authority accepted Sarnaik's proposal and said that action as per legislative rules be taken, but Sarnaik pressed for home minister's statement in this regard.

Devendra Fadnavis, leader of the opposition objected the suggestion and said that there were more important issues to be discussed as Tuesday was the last day of the ongoing session.

Controversy related to Kangana's remark against Mumbai police came up in the discussion for which Anil Deshmukh, the home minister said that it was an insult to the police and the entire state.

In the legislative council too similar motion was moved by Shiv Sena legislator Manisha Kayande against Goswami, while Congress’ Ashok Jagtap moved a privilege motion against Kangana Ranaut for defaming Mumbai.

Accepting both the motions, Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar, Maharashtra Legislative Council chairman said, “I have accepted the breach of privilege of motion. In the absence of a committee for it, I am going to decide on it (on the motion).”