The Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature began in Nagpur yesterday on a stormy note with the Opposition demanding suspension of the Question Hour to take up discussion regarding the damages caused by non-seasonal rains in various parts of the state. The house witnessed noisy scenes and some unruly behavior which culminated into suspension of a Shivsena member Mr. Sanjay Rathod from Digras in Yavatmal district after he picked up the silver mace from the Speaker’s table. He was suspended for rest of the duration of the current session after approval of the resolution to this effect tabled by Legislative Affairs Minister Mr. Harshvardhan Patil amidst the din. The house was adjourned for the day immediately after this development.The issue of farmers’ plight was raised as soon as the house assembled this morning and the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues were introduced to the house. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Mr. Eknath Khadse argued that he had already given a notice under rule 57 for setting aside all other business and take up discussion on the farmers’ issue through the adjournment motion. But, the Speaker Mr. Dilip Walse Patil declined to suspend the Question Hour as decided during the earlier session.This ruling led to stormy scenes and members from both the sides entered into the well and started shouting slogans. Therefore, he had to adjourn the proceedings for one hour and then again for another half-an hour as the similar situation continued in the house. Earlier, former Maharashtra Ministers Yashodhara Bajaj, Bhausaheb Mulak and Damayanti Deshbhratar along with other departed members of the house who passed away during the intervening period were paid rich tributes. The issue of adequate compensation for the farmers also figured prominently in the Legislative Council where Chairman Mr. Shivajirao Deshmukh allowed the discussion on the topic suspending the Question Hour. But, actual discussion could not be initiated as the ruling side impressed upon the chair to expedite the official proceedings of the day prior to that. The agitated Opposition members started shouting slogans pressing for immediate discussion and the house was adjourned for the day amidst the din.