Shiv Sena, BJP MLAs protest against Fadnavis government over drought relief
The BJP and Shiv Sena MLAs on Tuesday attacked their own government for its failure to effectively tackle the agrarian crisis following drought and hail storm across Maharashtra. The debate on drought, which was moved by the ruling BJP, ended with Shiv Sena MLAs adopting aggressive role against its own government in the state legislative assembly.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who gave a patient hearing to the debate was seen taking points on measures and shortcomings pointed by members from ruling and opposition on farmers plight.
The debate was initiated by senior BJP MLA, Sanjay Kute who outlined the measures taken by the Fadnavis government in last three months to address the farmers problems. However, successive speaker from the Sena and the BJP cited the examples from their own constituencies and districts to highlight the problems and government’s failure.
Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil slammed Agriculture Minister Eknath Khadse for failure to compensate the farmers in north Maharashtra. “Let us not forget that people have taught Congress-NCP a lesson for ignoring the farmers in the last elections. Now, if our government is not giving adequate compensation to the farmers what is the use?” asked Patil.
Another MLA, Arjun Khotkar was extremely critical about the compensation. “The crop damage incurred by the farmers no where reflects in the financial help,” said Khotkar.
The leader of the opposition in state legislative assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil (Congress) said, “The government should allocate Rs 25,000 per hectare to farmers. And it should cover all farmers irrespective of their land holding to ensure small and marginal are not left out of packages.”
Former minister and NCP leader Jayant Patil said, “I believe Devendra Fadnavis is PM’s favourite. Now, let us see how much funds he can get released from centre for the drought-hit state.”
Another NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said, “The ruling Sena and BJP members are protesting against their own government. This exposes the government’s failure.”
Source:: Indian Express
