Mumbai, Sept 22 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday demanded that “needless expenditure” on the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik be cut down and diverted for drought relief.
He also said the Maharashtra government will be forced to accept demands for extending relief to farmers if the Maha Vikas Aghadi parties protest jointly.
Several parts of Maharashtra, especially Marathwada and Vidarbha, are witnessing drought- like conditions due to weak monsoon.
The Opposition has demanded that the government declare drought immediately and extend relief measures.
On Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised that “drought relief” measures have already been initiated.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is likely to visit areas affected by the dry spell later this month.
Raut claimed there is no coordination among the ruling parties- the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP (SP)- on “drought”. There is no proper discussion in the cabinet, and cries of farmers are not being heard by Mantralaya (state secretariat).
He said affected farmers need immediate relief, but the chief minister remained tight-lipped.
“Spending Rs 55,000-60,000 crore on (infrastructure work) for Kumbh Mela is not needed right now. Whatever is needed should be spent on Kumbh Mela, and the rest Rs 35,000-40,000 crore should be diverted to drought-affected people,” Raut said.
He further claimed that work on the proposed Shaktipeeth Expressway connecting Vidarbha, Marathwada, western Maharashtra and Konkan should be stopped, alleging that the construction is being done to benefit contractors.
“Needless expenditure should be stopped and diverted to give relief for farmers,” Raut said.
He demanded a discussion on water tankers, food shelters for cattle, and distribution of food in the cabinet meeting.
“If there is a discussion on drought in cabinet, then it should be telecast live. People should know how the government is tackling the drought issue,” Raut added. PTI PR NSK
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