Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai)

BJP, Sena are Thugs of Maharashtr­a: Oppn ‘Should we call you Gangs of Wasseypur?’

- HT Correspond­ent

MUMBAI: Countering the Opposition’s claim that the government is equivalent to “Thugs of Maharashtr­a, who cheated the people by not delivering on the promises”, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday asked what if he dubbed the Opposition as “Gangs of Wasseypur”.

Fadnavis said the Opposition has stooped to a new low by using such a derogatory term for the ruling parties. “The issues being raised by the Opposition are a result of the latter’s stints in the government and his government has befitting replies to each one of them,” he said.

The CM said that the Opposition should do its research before levelling allegation­s on issues such as drought and investment. “They have been alleging delay in extending help to drought-affected people, but we are way ahead of the previous government­s. We announced drought in October, unlike the announceme­nts made in December and January earlier. Adequate provision has been made for water supply, through short-term and longterm plans. We have also directed district collectors to grow fodder on at least 2000 acres to ensure sufficient supply to feed the cattle,” he said.

The government also has plans to score over the Opposition on the issue of reservatio­n. “The reservatio­n given by the Congress-led government wouldn’t have stood the legal scrutiny. We have made the proposal foolproof by backing it with a report from the Maharashtr­a State Commission for Backward Classes. It has a chance of clearing the legal battle. We can project this in the ensuing elections and even in the winter session,” a BJP minister said.

Fadnavis said like the Maratha reservatio­n, the government has decided to expedite the procedure for the reservatio­n for Dhangars and the recommenda­tion will soon be sent to the Centre.

 ?? HT ?? CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts to Opposition’s claims.
HT CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts to Opposition’s claims.

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