The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) joined hands to attack Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over allegations of sanctioning funds from CM Relief Fund to a dance troupe. Arguing that the funds that should have gone to the farmers in the State to help them out of distress, instead went to the dance troupe. Fadnavis’ office has, however, denied any wrongdoing and said that the dance troupe comprising Government employees was allocated the funds meant for such activities.
“Money meant for relief fund or relief for a particular unforeseen situation is used for all kinds of picadillo in Bangkok. What could be a greater travestyIJ This calls for the resignation of the Chief Minister. The relief fund is administered by the Chief Minister directly. If money has been misappropriated for a cause for which the money has not been collected, it is a very serious issue. The CM should resign or the Opposition parties together must insist on his resignation,” Congress leader Manish Tewari said.
The news came to light following an Right to Information (RTI) query filed by activist Anil Galgali. The RTI revealed that Fadnavis approved `8 lakh for a Government employees’ dance troupe to participate in a competition in Bangkok in December. He sanctioned the sum that was transferred to Sachivalaya Gymkhana for the dance contest.
The Opposition parties have questioned Fadnavis Government’s “priorities” at a time when the State is struggling with a severe drought. “Maharashtra is facing severe drought and thousands of farmers are committing suicide. Thousands of applications are pending before CM. People are seeking relief for chronic diseases like cancer and heart attack. He has no time to take the decision to distribute `5000-10,000 to needy people. Despite that he diverted this fund to Sachivalaya Gymkhana for foreign tour for their enjoyment. This cannot be tolerated. He should apologise for his shameful act. The money should be recovered from the people who have enjoyed. If not, Fadnavis should pay from his own pocket,” NCP leader Nawab Malik said.
Defending her party colleague, BJP leader Sania NC termed the allegations to be “baseless.” “Fadnavis’ fight against corruption, his credibility, his accountability is being talked about all over the country”, she said while adding that the complete information should be put in public domain.