The opposition parties in Maharashtra on Sunday announced their decision to boycott the state government`s customary high tea event, on the eve of the legislature`s Monsoon Session.
According to PTI, this move stems from allegations of rampant corruption, unpopular policies, and widespread misuse of public funds.
Ambadas Danve of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), who serves as the leader of opposition in the legislative council, confirmed the development. He also stated that the boycott serves as a “clear mark of protest” against what he termed is a “dishonest government.”
Danve, further elaborating on the reasons for their stance, said, “From the forced implementation of the Shaktipeeth Expressway to the failure to provide buses to MSRTC, non-payment of dues to private contractors, and injustice in the Vaishali Hagawane (dowry harassment-suicide) case in Pune, this government has lost the moral right to seek cooperation. Why should we meet the government that is imposing a third language (Hindi) on Standard I?”
Meanwhile, his party colleague and former minister, Aaditya Thackeray, launched a strong attack on the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, alleging corruption in school admissions.
“The first list for 11th standard admissions appears to be tainted with corruption. There is reason to believe that school education minister Dada Bhuse may be involved,” he claimed.
Furthermore, Thackeray also criticised the state government for what he described as “tacitly backing” the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Moreover, he claimed the MSRDC was imposing “unjust” fines, amounting to a staggering Rs 12.50 crore, on motorists utilising the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Thackeray also raised suspicions regarding irregular land deals, alleging that the driver of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena Lok Sabha MP Sandipan Bhumre had received a substantial parcel of land from descendants of the erstwhile royal Salar Jung family of Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of opposition in the assembly and a senior Congress leader, highlighted the alleged objectionable statements made by former BJP minister Babanrao Lonikar at a recent gathering.
Lonikar had reportedly criticised the opponents of the BJP-led government by claiming that their clothes and other life amenities were provided to them by the ruling party.
“This government is indifferent to people`s problems. The three constituents of the Mahayuti are fighting among themselves for funds and to expand their influence. They are more concerned with siphoning off public resources,” Wadettiwar alleged, referring to the Mahayuti alliance, which comprises the BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar`s Nationalist Congress Party.
The Congress leader also highlighted what he called the “inflated cost” of infrastructure projects within the state. He cited the cancellation of tenders for a tunnel and road project on the Thane-Ghodbunder-Bhayander route after the matter was escalated to the Supreme Court, reported PTI.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which is overseeing the project, announced a reduction in the project`s cost. Wadettiwar questioned this, stating, “Why was the cost inflated in the first place? The intention was to misuse the money to possibly buy MLAs or for other nefarious purposes.”
(With inputs from PTI)
