BJP to its Maharashtra ministers: Be sensitive

TAKING NOTE of recent developments in Maharashtra, the BJP central leadership has asked cabinet ministers in the state to display sensitivity on issues close to the people’s hearts such as the drought, and avoid controversies.

At least two cabinet ministers — Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse and Rural Development Minister Pankaja Munde — had invited flak for their conduct in drought-hit district of Latur in Marathwada region.

Khadse, during his visit to Latur, landed on a makeshift helipad on which thousands of litres of water had been wasted. He was touring the district to oversee water supply, using special railway wagons, to the city.

Instead of expressing regret, Khadse had justified the decision to travel by helicopter. He even made a sarcastic comment against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had avoided helicopter and travelled by road in Marathwada last week.

He said, “Ministers should travel by helicopter as it saves time. The CM, who used road to travel between Aurangabad and Beed and Latur wasted eight hours.”

He indicated that a little water spent on a helipad cannot become an issue as he was working to get water for people in Latur.

The minister’s dig at the CM was noted by top leadership of thebjpindelhiandalsotheprime Minister’s Office (PMO).

A senior BJP functionary in charge of Maharashtra was asked to inform cabinet ministers to avoid differences in public and not land in controversies.

Earlier, Pankaja Munde’s enthusiasm to click a selfie, with a water conservation project as background, and her justification of the action, also upset the central leadership. Munde has been asked to exercise caution on such matters.