Shiv Sena slams Sharad Pawar over drought allegations

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena has slammed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar saying that he failed to solve water and agriculture issues despite being in power for a long time. It has also supported the state government over its measures to tackle the drought conditions in the state.

In an editorial in its party mouthpiece Saamana, on Tuesday, the Sena had questioned Mr Pawar over his allegations on the state government not doing enough regarding drought relief measures.

“Mr Pawar has a good knowledge in issues like agriculture, water, drou-ght etc. He was in power for many years at the Centre and the state. What schemes did he implement to solve water and agriculture issues?” asked the party.

“The ruling party has implemented the Jalyukta Shivar scheme. However, it has been proved that during the tenure of earlier government the biggest scam took place in irrigation schemes. Revenue minister Chandrakant Patil has regretted that Mr Pawar is doing politics over drought. He has done a right thing by asking Opposition to help the government to tackle drought conditions instead of politicising the issue,” said the editorial.

“After the polling was over in the state, Mr Pawar started his tours of drought affected areas. He has alleged that the government is doing nothing to tackle drought in the state. The government may try hard, but the Opposition will find lack in its efforts. Hence, the government should turn a blind eye towards what the Opposition are saying on drought. It is wrong if touring drought affected areas are being used as a preparation for Vidhan Sabha polls,” said the party.

Maharashtra is facing a severe drought. Now that the elections are over, there is a need to concentrate on drought relief measures. Owing to the severe drought conditions, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis requested the Election Commission (EC) to relax the model code of conduct (MCC) and the commission has also accepted it, said the party.

After polling for the Lok Sabha polls was over in the state, Mr Pawar immediately started the tour of drought-affected areas of Solapur and Osmanabad districts, which are two of the worst hit by drought. The NCP chief also met farmers at their agriculture field and had interaction with them. During the tours, he expressed concern by saying that state government’s efforts to tackle drought are insufficient.