Raut seeks diversion of Kumbh expenditure to provide relief to drought-hit farmers

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday called for a reduction in “needless expenditure” on the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik and said the funds should instead be used for drought relief.

Raut also said the Maharashtra government would have to accept the demand for extending relief to farmers if the Maha Vikas Aghadi parties jointly launch a protest.

Several parts of Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada and Vidarbha, are facing drought-like conditions because of a weak monsoon. The Opposition has been demanding an immediate declaration of drought and relief measures for affected areas.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, said on Monday that “drought relief” measures had already been initiated. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is also likely to visit areas affected by the dry spell later this month.

Raut claimed there was a lack of coordination among the ruling BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP (SP) over the drought situation. He alleged that the issue was not being properly discussed in the cabinet and that the concerns of farmers were not reaching the Mantralaya, the state secretariat.

He said farmers affected by the dry conditions required immediate assistance, but alleged that the chief minister had remained silent on the issue.

“Spending Rs 55,000-60,000 crore on (infrastructure work) for Kumbh Mela is not needed right now. Whatever is needed should be spent on Kumbh Mela, and the rest Rs 35,000-40,000 crore should be diverted to drought-affected people,” Raut said.

Raut also called for work on the proposed Shaktipeeth Expressway, which will connect Vidarbha, Marathwada, western Maharashtra and Konkan, to be stopped. He alleged that the project was being undertaken to benefit contractors.

“Needless expenditure should be stopped and diverted to give relief for farmers,” Raut said.

He also sought discussions in the cabinet on the availability of water tankers, food shelters for cattle and distribution of food.

“If there is a discussion on drought in cabinet, then it should be telecast live. People should know how the government is tackling the drought issue,” Raut added.  (with inputs from PTI)