On Davkhare's permission, Munde had withdrawn a statement clarifying his stand on a recent ruling of the Bombay High Court ordering a CBI probe against high ranking officials of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB). The HC had specifically questioned the MSEB's move of awarding a contract of retrofitting of turbines at 15 power genration plants of MSEB to Power Performance Improvement Limited (PPIL).

Pharande today ruled that Munde's statement had become property of the House and will not be considered withdrawn anymore. This will affect Munde as he had said on Monday that ``withdrawal of the statement has exposed the Opposition members who made a political stunt by demanding my resignation.'' On the other hand, the Opposition isat a loss as well because Munde's clarification has come on record without any debate and they have lost an opportunity to attack Munde.

The entire episode started today after Pharande suo motu announced that Davkhare's decision was being set aside. ``The Deputy Chief Minister had sought permission from me to make a statement under rule 46. (The rule allows a minister to make a statement about any important matter.) As I have directed him to make a statement, it automatically became a property of the house. Copies of the statement were circulated amongst the members as well as the scribes. Though no debate took place on the statement, it can not be considered withdrawn as the House has not given formal permission for the same,'' said Pharande.

This prompted leader of Opposition Chhagan Bhujbal to raise strong objections. ``Under which provision is the earlier decision being altered? A statement once withdrawn by a minister himself can not become part of the proceedings, that too a day after thewithdrawal,'' Bhujbal said. This prompted members from the treasury benches to run to the well shouting slogans that Bhujbal was not empowered to question a ruling by the chairperson.

At this point Pharande adjourned the House for 15 minutes. When the House reassembled, it was presided over by Davkhare. Even before independent member Arun Mehta could complete his arguments, ruling and opposition members created a ruckus in the House and forced Davkhare to adjourn the house for another 15 minutes.

Once the House resumed business, the Opposition members charged that Pharande's ruling has created a constitutional deadlock. However, chaos ensued and Davkhare had to adjourn the House for another 15 minutes. After this, Chief Minister Narayan Rane, Munde, Bhujbal, Davkhare and other senior members of the House met Pharande in his chamber to find a solution. In the meantime, panel chairperson Ravindra Mirlekar had to adjourn the House twice as the members refused to continue with the business at peace.

Oncethe House resumed again, Pharande ruled that no minister or member would withdraw a statement without permission of the chairperson and a consent of the House. ``The entire episode stands closed now,'' ruled Pharande.

And Munde's statement has now become a part of records of the proceedings of the House.