Proceedings of Maharashtra Legislative Council were adjourned twice this morning over the Adarsh housing scam.
The opposition Shiv Sena-BJP had moved an adjournment motion demanding discussion on the scam.
However, the request was turned down by Council chairman, Shivajirao Deshmukh, and opposition members got into the well of the house, shouting slogans against the government.
Deshmukh then adjourned the proceedings for 25 minutes.
Earlier, the chairman had allowed the leader of Opposition in the Council, Pandurang Phundkar, to present the adjournment motion on the issue.
"Adarsh scam shook the entire country and the government appointed a two-member commission to probe the matter. But there are reports in the media that the commission members were not given salaries and office to work. Former Mumbai municipal commissioner Jairaj Phatak has been made 14th accused in the case. The government needs to explain the issue," Phundkar said.
Shiv Sena group leader Diwakar Raote said the IAS officials had never been held responsible in such scams.
In reply, revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat said, "The CBI and the commission are probing the matter. Also a hearing is going on in the high court. So, it is not appropriate for the government to speak on the issue now. It may have impact on the ongoing probe and hearing."
Agreeing with the government's view, Deshmukh refused to accept the request of discussion.
Even after the first adjournment, the Opposition's protests continued, which forced the chairman to adjourn proceedings the second time.