Govt agrees for a debate on irrigation scam

Mumbai: After a week-long standoff between the Treasury and Opposition benches over the Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam, the Democratic Front
government agreed on Monday to hold a debate and revoke the suspension of Shiv Sena legislator
Diwakar Raote. The debate would be held on Tuesday.

"The debate on the issue will be held in the Upper House tomorrow as per the assurance given by Ajit Pawar," Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Council, Vinod Tawde told reporters in the Vidhan Bhavan complex after the meeting which was called to resolve the issue over the irrigation scam debate and suspension of Raote. 

On Friday, Raote was suspended till December 31, 2013, from the Maharashtra Legislative Council and debarred from entering the Vidhan Sabha complex in Mumbai and Nagpur, for allegedly using unparliamentary language in the chamber of the Chairman. 

On being asked about the no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition members against Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare, he said that the notice is still intact and it will be decided in the Business Advisory Committee (BCA) meeting. 

“We are ready to discuss all issues in the Houses....we have four days left till Friday, for the monsoon session. Whatever is fit as per rules, we are ready to discuss,” Pawar, who holds the Finance, Planning and Energy portfolios, said.