BJP seeks Rs 9,000 crores package to tackle Maharashtra drought

MUMBAI: Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Vinod Tawde today sought a relief package of Rs 9,000 crores to tackle drought in the state.

Initiating a debate in the Upper House on severe drought in rural Maharashtra, Tawde said the state government had failed to discharge its responsibility in reining in the impact and demanded that funds of the amount be given to handle the situation.

"Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has failed to keep his assurance on inviting leaders of Opposition and party group leaders to a meeting on drought," he said.

The BJP leader alleged that fodder camps in the drought-affected areas were allotted to "political workers".

Home Minister R R Patil had announced an inquiry into malpractices in the fodder camps, but the probe was stopped in January after it came to light that those from the ruling parties were involved in it, he said.

Accusing the ruling combine of regional bias, Tawde said the Democratic Front government favoured Western Maharashtra over worst-affected areas in Marathwada.

In Aurangabad, the government increased water supply quota for breweries, while curtailing it for pharma companies, he said.

"Does the government feel beer is more important than medicine," he asked.