The Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have sought the resignation of tribal development minister Vishnu Savara over alleged death of children due to malnutrition in the state.
The Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have sought the resignation of tribal development minister Vishnu Savara over alleged death of children due to malnutrition in the state. Also, there were reports that Mr Savara said “let them be” when he was informed about 600 child deaths due to malnutrition.
Mr Savara is the guardian minister of neighbouring Palghar district, which has been reeling under malnutrition cases. A child, Sagar Wagh, purportedly died due to malnutrition from Mokhada in Palghar on August 30. However, the minister did not visit the family for a fortnight, which irked the villagers. When he finally went to meet the family, the mother of the child refused to meet him. However, as per the local reports, Savara made the controversial remark during his visit to the family, which infuriated the family members.
This was captured in a video clip that has gone viral bringing embarrassment for the government, as Savara himself belongs to tribal community.
However, the minister on Friday denied that he had made any controversial statement.
“I was on the tour and, hence, could not go to meet the family. I went to console the family, but workers of Shramjeevi Sanghatana had incited the locals. I was trying to say something but they made it into a controversy. When I was speaking with the relatives of the family, one of the workers from the Shramjeevi Sanghatana came forward and said 600 children have died due to malnutrition. I told him let me speak to them (the relatives). But now the issue has been politicised against me,” Mr Savara said.
In a bid to corner the government, Opposition parties have criticised the minister and demanded action against him. Alliance partner Shiv Sena said it would talk to CM Devendra Fadnavis about it.
Sunil Tatkare, state NCP president, termed Mr Savara’s statement insensitive. “We condemn his remarks and demand action against him. Also, the state government should take immediate steps to bring down malnutrition deaths and cases in such areas,” he said.
Mr Savara should take responsibility for the state of affairs in his department and resign without any further delay, party leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said, adding, “If Savara does not resign on his own, the CM should sack him.”
