Maharashtra winter session: Opposition leaders stage protest on Vidhan Bhavan steps over farmers' issues

Screengrab

Opposition members staged a protest on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur on Tuesday, the second day of the Maharashtra assembly's winter session, demanding a complete loan waiver for farmers.

Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, including Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aditya Thackeray, NCP (SP) Shashikant Shinde, among others, gathered on the steps of the Vidhan Bhawan and raised slogans, reported news agency PTI.

Opposition leaders accused the government of delaying the purchase of soyabean, which resulted in farmers selling the produce at Rs 4,000, well below the MSP of Rs 5,328, reported PTI.

They demanded a complete loan waiver for cultivators, who had suffered losses.

Strict verification, limited passes as state govt tightens access to Maharashtra winter session

The Maharashtra legislature has tightened the entry pass system for the winter session currently underway at the Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur and issued guidelines detailing the eligibility criteria, reported news agency PTI.

An official circular stated that entry passes will be issued strictly for the session period and only to eligible government officials, legislators' staff, security personnel on duty and authorised employees working for the Assembly or Council.

Contractors, canteen workers, daily wage staff and temporary workers will also require official permission to enter, said the order, reported PTI.

Security has been strengthened, and the police have been instructed to allow access only to those carrying valid session passes issued under the supervision of senior security officials.

As per the guidelines, one personal secretary, one special duty officer and one assistant from ministers' offices will receive full session passes. Departments may issue passes to a maximum of 30 officials and 20 staff members, and their names must be submitted in advance, said the order., reported PTI.

Officials assigned duties on a rotational basis during the session will receive daily passes, while permanent session-long passes will remain limited. The circular states that strict verification will be carried out at all entry points to prevent crowding and unauthorised access, the order said, reported PTI.

Pass distribution counters have been set up at Gate No. 18, the first building block of Vidhan Bhavan, and other designated spots within the premises. Departments and office-bearers have also been instructed to ensure passes are not misused or circulated without permission, the order said, reported PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)