Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a public function in Mumbai on February 26, 2023. Photo Credit: ANI
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday accused the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government of “extraordinary expenditure”, saying important issues faced by common people and farmers have been ignored. Shinde’s tea party before the budget session, as attending it was tantamount to “committing sedition” against the people of Maharashtra.
“Instead, we will meet the new Governor of Maharashtra, Ramesh Bais, and share our concerns with him,” he said.
Mr Pawar, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, was talking to reporters on the eve of the Budget session of the State Legislature beginning on Monday.
The NCP leader claimed that the total food bill from the chief minister’s official residence ‘Varsha’ in the first four months since Mr Shinde came to power in June 2022 was reportedly ₹2.38 crore.
“I wonder if they are drinking their tea in ‘golden water’,” Mr Pawar quipped.
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The nearly month-long budget session is slated from February 27 to March 25, with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis presenting the state budget on March 9.
Mr. Pawar further alleged that despite the announcement of financial assistance for farmers and other sections by the state government, the aid has not yet reached the affected people or the beneficiaries of the schemes.
“Inflation is rising, due to which the cost of production for farmers has gone up. However, agricultural produce is not getting good prices in the market,” said Mr. Pawar.
“I wonder if they’re having their tea in ‘golden water'”Ajit PawarNationalist Congress Party Leader