Shiv Sena joins Opposition demand of Rs 12,000 cr package for Marathwada

MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena today joined the Opposition Congress and NCP in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly to demand a Rs 12,000 crore package to meet out the irrigation backlog in Marathwada region.

Arjun Khotkar (Shiv Sena), legislator from Jalna, complained that Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan had not mentioned anything in his reply on Marathwada's irrigation and development that would give relief to people of the region, which 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, Mahajan said he would convene a meeting of legislators from the region in Aurangabad next week.

He assured the House that priority would be given to projects that are 70-75 per cent complete.

Health Minister Deepak Sawant announced that a mental health hospital would be opened in Jalna.

Power Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule said solar energy projects would be set up in the region.

However, NCP leader Ajit Pawar took objection to Mahajan's comment that the Congress and NCP had during their rule done nothing to develop Marathwada.

The former Deputy Chief Minister said the previous government (Congress-NCP) had done all it could.

Some mistakes happened and that is why people voted you to power, Pawar said.