BJP spokesperson Ban challenges Raut to divert Rs 40,000 crore for drought-hit farmers

Mumbai, Sep 22 : BJP Maharashtra chief spokesperson Navnath Ban on Tuesday challenged Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut to announce that Rs 40,000 crore would be allocated to drought-affected farmers in Marathwada and Vidarbha, claiming that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government had collected Rs 90,000 crore during its two-and-a-half-year tenure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office, Ban was responding to Raut's demand that expenditure on the Kumbh Mela be reduced and the funds diverted to farmers affected by drought.

Ban alleged that Raut and the Shiv Sena (UBT) had objected to expenditure related to the Kumbh Mela and other programmes while not raising similar concerns over spending associated with other religious events.

He also criticised former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray over the functioning of the state Cabinet during the previous government. Ban said Cabinet meetings could not be compared with a cricket match and alleged that some meetings were conducted online while the then chief minister remained at home.

Ban said the government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would take concrete steps to support farmers. He said the government had announced a farm loan waiver without an impending election and that the first instalment had already been distributed.

"There are drought-like conditions in several parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha, Solapur and north Maharashtra. We are reaching out to farmers and extending support," Ban said.

He also criticised NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar over irrigation policies, alleging that adequate measures had not been taken during Pawar's tenure as chief minister to address water-related problems.

On national security, Ban said India had adopted a firm policy in response to terrorist activities from Pakistan and asked Raut to examine the foreign policy pursued by previous Congress-led governments.

Ban also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Raut, alleging that they often resorted to imitation and theatrics instead of focusing on substantive issues concerning farmers and students.

Commenting on NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, Ban said Pawar should focus on matters concerning his own party rather than raising questions about news portals, adding that the government was capable of dealing with such issues.

He further alleged that farmers associated with Pawar's sugar factory had faced difficulties over pending payments and said Pawar should first clear any outstanding dues before raising questions concerning other farmers.