Blaming the state government for the drought situation in Maharashtra, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik has alleged that the government ignored its pre-warnings and did not take any measures.
Blaming the state government for the drought situation in Maharashtra, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik has alleged that the government ignored its pre-warnings and did not take any measures. Mr Malik also referred to a housing scam in Pune and alleged that food and civil supplies minister Girish Bapat has links to the builder who had launched the fraudulent scheme and is now absconding.
On the topic of drought, he said, “The government had received drought alerts in September only. But they ignored it completely. The result is being witnessed now. The situation is so bad and it is the sole failure of the government to tackle the situation”. The state is facing severe drought and Marathwada has been badly hit. NCP MP Supriya Sule is touring the Marathwada region to understand the issues of the farmers and secure help for them.
Speaking on the housing fraud in Pune city, Malik linked Girish Bapat with a builder who is absconding. A builder, Sachin Agarwal, had floated a scheme of houses promising affordable homes for Rs 5 lakh each using the chief minister and Prime Minister’s photos. However, after the issue was pursued by the media, he seemed to leave in a hurry on Wednesday from a private programme in which Mr Bapat was also present. “The affordable house is possible in Rs 5 lakh. But the builder wanted to take benefit of the government scheme, which gives subsidy of Rs 2 lakh for affordable housing. Bapat has links with the builder who is now absconding,” Mr Malik alleged in a press conference.
Mr Malik also criticised rural development minister Pankaja Munde for having two Director Identification Numbers (DIN) when a person can only have one as per the rule. “Pankaja has two DIN numbers, 02241393 and 02241393. She has also written the name of her father differently at different places. Her husband has also given his name as Amit and Charudatt in other papers. She needs to clarify the matter,” he said. Pankaja courted controversy a few days’ ago for taking selfies in drought-affected Marathwada region. She was also criticised for her statement on not stopping water supply to breweries.
