Budget session will be litmus test for CM

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra budget session beginning on Monday is likely to debate less on economics and more of politics as Congress-NCP makes renewed attempt to project a united front to corner the chief minister Devendra Fadnavis lead government in Maharashtra. Growing fissures within the ruling alliance is becoming a challenge.

Almost 48 hours ahead of the session, Shiv Sena has threatened to launch an agitation against the nuclear power plant at Jaitapur in Konkan region. Shiv Sena’s Uday Samant said, “If the centre does not respond to our protest we will be forced to demolish the office of the nuclear power plant at Jaitapur.” This comes a week after Sena voiced its reservation over the controversial land acquisition bill.

The Budget 2015-16, is going to be a real leadership test for Fadnavis. In the last 16 years (since 1999-2014), Fadnavis had made his mark for budget speeches in the role of the opposition leader. In the full fledged budget he will be subjected to strong opposition. The decision to scrap Muslim reservation in education, ban on cow slaughter, law and order (Communist leader Givind Pansare’s killing), agriculture crisis because of drought and hailstorm, lack of financial aid to sugar industry are some of the issues identified by opposition to expose the government.

Chief Minister said, “All is well in government. The differences of views on certain policy matters cannot be equated to differences in the coalition government. Shiv Sena is an important alliance partner and playing a significant role in the government in Maharashtra.”

He believes, “In democratic set up the debates on every issue is important and government is ready to face and reply on issues related to the people. At the end what matters is the welfare of the people of Maharashtra,” he added.

Both Congress-NCP leaders in private admit, “In three months you don’t expect government to tackle all the problems. However, on issues of communal agenda we will not spare the government.”

State NCP Chief Sunil Tatkare said, “The government’s decision to ban cow slaughter and scrapping of Muslim reservation cannot be justified. It will find its echo in the budget session.” Congress (MP) Husain Dalwai has submitted a memorandum to the government to explain the decisions which affects the welfare of the minorities community.

Both Congress and NCP leader argued, “The series of decision exposes the hidden agenda of the BJP-Sena government.” Interestingly, this is a single agenda which will unite Congress and NCP and also work to see Sena and BJP fighting the opposition unitedly.

The other issues where the government is going to face the flak included failure of state-centre to provide major financial package to the sugar sector. Although state government has set aside Rs 5,200 crore to tackle the drought, hail storm and unseasonal rains, it is unlikely to silence the opposition.

As Vikhe-Patil said, “The farmers are reeling under severe crisis and one time package cannot justify the government’s action.”

Source:: Indian Express