Slamming the state government over farmers’ plight in drought-affected areas, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said negligence by the BJP-led state government would not be taken lightly.
Slamming the state government over farmers’ plight in drought-affected areas, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said negligence by the BJP-led state government would not be taken lightly.
Brushing aside the criticism heaped on Shiv Sena for behaving like the Opposition, even as it shared power with the BJP in the state, Mr Thackeray said he would repeatedly question the government’s commitment towards the people. Mr Thackeray also criticised agriculture minister Eknath Khadse for making a mockery of farmers in drought-hit areas.
“Union agriculture minister has said he has not received any proposal of financial aid for drought-hit farmers in the state. However, agriculture minister Eknath Khadse has said that Rs 920 crore had been received from the Centre. Later, I was told that the money received was part of funds meant for last year. At least now the state should send the proposal and get Rs 4,500 crore. Our government is ruling at the Centre and in the state, then
why are our farmers suffering ” Mr Thackeray asked. Shiv Sena has officially completed one year in office this month.
Without naming chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mr Thackeray came down heavily on the functioning of the government. He said his party had a small share in the government. “I am sure that next time the chief minister will be from Shiv Sena. He will go to the people aggressively and tour the state instead of going abroad,” Mr Thackeray said taunting the CM over his foreign visits, even as the state reeled under drought.
Mr Thackeray recently visited the Marathwada region where he initiated schemes such as Shivjalkranti to save water, mass marriages of farmers’ daughters, donating funds, among others.
Questioning why some people were criticising Shiv Sena for behaving like the Opposition, Mr Thackeray said the party would do everything for the people.
“I do not understand why others are criticising our efforts by calling us Opposition party. We are also answerable to the people and will keep checking the system if it is really helping the people,” he added.
He even read out news reports about how farmers were suffering due to drought while the government was inactive and not paying attention to their needs.
“I read that a farmer had to sell his kidney to pay debt. This is very sad state of affairs. What is the use of only making announcements People need answers to their issues,” Mr Thackeray said.
The Sena chief also instructed his workers to pay attention to north Maharashtra which has also been badly affected by drought.
Sena leaders will start helping farmers in Dhule, Nandurbar and Nashik areas next, as sizable number of suicides have been witnessed there, he added.
