Mumbai, Apr 16 (PTI) The BJP and Shiv Sena on Thursday sought the suspension of Leader of Opposition Kishori Pednekar for her alleged “wrong and reprehensible” remarks regarding late Bal Thackeray during a Mumbai civic body meeting.
The proceedings of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation general body were disrupted a couple of times as corporators from the BJP and Shiv Sena sought the apology of Pednedkar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former mayor.
Talking to reporters, Mayor Ritu Tawde of the BJP and Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena said the remarks were “wrong and reprehensible”.
“Have you bought Balasaheb (Thackeray)? These are very wrong, irresponsible and reprehensible remarks,” Tawde said, adding she had carefully listened to the statement, which was on record.
Pednekar made the remarks while speaking on a point of order raised by former mayor Vishakh Raut regarding the mayor’s honour during the discussion on the BMC budget for FY 2026-27, Tawde added.
Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar, of the BJP, objected to the statement and demanded that Pednekar apologise for her remarks on Bal Thackeray, and sought her suspension under Rule 36A of Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, Tawde said.
“If Pednekar does not apologise, she should be suspended. We will continue to press for this demand. Whatever transpired in the BMC was condemnable,” Ghadi said.
Members from the treasury benches also raised slogans demanding an apology from Pednekar, following which the Mayor adjourned the House for 10 minutes. However, when the proceedings resumed, Khankar reiterated the demand for suspension as Pednekar refused to apologise.
Tawde further said Standing Committee chairperson Prabhakar Shinde later moved an adjournment motion in protest against the remarks.
She said the proceedings of the BMC’s general body will be telecast live from Friday onwards.
Pednekar later clarified her remarks were misinterpreted and maintained she had referred to “thoughts” and not individuals, but she refused to apologise.
The ruling parties are trying to divert attention, Pednedkar asserted. PTI KK BNM
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