Maharashtra assembly to discuss rain situation on Thursday after Opposition outcry

Mumbai, Jul 8 (PTI) A short discussion on Maharashtra's rain situation will be held in the state assembly on Thursday, Speaker Rahul Narwekar said after the Opposition protested the delay in taking up the issue, saying it was the most pressing concern before the House. Raising the matter in the assembly on Wednesday, Opposition members asked why their notice for a short-term discussion on the rain situation had not been admitted despite the House taking up several other debates. They sought clarification from the Chair, saying that if the discussion was not taken up during the ongoing session, it would defeat the purpose of raising the issue. Responding to the demand, Speaker Narwekar said the House would take up the short-duration discussion on Thursday. Proposals for the discussion were submitted by members on Tuesday, but were received after the 'order of the day' for Wednesday had already been finalised. "The discussion will be held tomorrow," Narwekar said, asking the House to proceed with the scheduled business for the day. The Opposition insisted that the issue warranted immediate attention, citing the "grim" situation across the state. Members like Jayant Patil (NCP-SP) and Nana Patole (Congress) said rainfall remained deficient in 134 talukas, forcing farmers in several areas to undertake resowing, while many lacked the financial resources to do so. Describing the issue as serious, Narwekar reiterated that the assembly would discuss it on Thursday. He also said the House should, at an appropriate time, hold a broader discussion on climate and environmental changes, which he described as the underlying causes of the erratic weather conditions. The Speaker appealed to members to maintain the seriousness of the debate and refrain from bringing in unrelated issues while discussing drought, deficient rainfall and heavy rains. PTI MR GK