In response to a letter from the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker election committee, Gov BS Koshyari replies, "Pained to observe intemperate tone"

As they say, the devil is in the details. The Maharashtra Governor, BS Koshyari, has objected to the language used by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in his letter asking his assent, claiming that holding the assembly Speaker's election by voice vote rather than secret ballot with the rules revisions was a violation of the constitution. The Maha Vikas Agdhadi backed down from holding the assembly Speaker's election on Tuesday, the penultimate day of the winter session, after the Governor's harsh words. "I am personally horrified and dismayed to witness the intemperate tone and threatening tenor of your letter, which has belittled and denigrated the highest Constitutional Office of the Governor," Koshyari said.

The Governor was irritated by the CM's letter, in which he stated that the legislature's laws and norms do not fall under his jurisdiction. "Because the Governor has no authority to evaluate laws approved by the legislature, there is no need to waste time evaluating whether or not they are lawful," CM stated in his letter. The Governor, on the other hand, said that the rules were unconstitutional. "I have never questioned the House's power in matters of its procedure/proceedings, but I cannot be pressured to consent to a process that looks to be unlawful and illegal as embodied in Article 208 of the Constitution," he continued.

"I have made a solemn oath to maintain, safeguard, and defend the Constitution under Article 159." The Governor stated, "At this moment, consent for the Speaker's election to be held under the changed procedures, which appear to be unlawful and illegitimate, cannot be granted." He went on to say, "You mentioned that the above-described Rules were adopted under Article 208 of the Constitution." "A House of the Legislature of a State may make rules for guiding its procedure and conduct of its business, subject to the limitations of this Constitution," the same Article specifically specifies.

Following such harsh sentiments, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar intervened, and the Speaker's election was postponed after talks with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to avoid a legal and constitutional crisis that may result in the imposition of President's rule.

Image Courtesy:  Twitter@BSKoshyari