Shiv Sena joined opposition parties' demands for a Rs 12,000 crore package for Marathwada region in Maharashtra
The Shiv Sena today joined the Opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly to demand a Rs 12,000 crore package to meet out the irrigation backlog in Marathwada region.
Shiv Sena is an alliance partner in the BJP led Maharashtra government.
Sena lawmaker, Arjun Khotkar had criticised the government for not mentioning any proposal or package for irrigation and development works in Marathwada, saying the region is staring at a drought.
Leader of Opposition, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said the government has made provision of only Rs 900 crores and it is like rubbing salt on the wounds of people of Marathwada. He demanded a package of Rs 12,000 crores to overcome the backlog.
Earlier, replying to a debate on the issue, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, said he would convene a meeting of lawmakers representing the region next week. He assured the House that priority would be given to projects that are 70-75 per cent complete.
NCP leader and former deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, also took objection to Mr Mahajan's comment that the Congress and NCP had done nothing to develop Marathwada, one of the five main regions of the state, during their rule.