Opposition parties in Maharashtra boycott CM's tea party

Opposition Shiv Sena-BJP combine today boycotted the customary tea-party hosted by Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on the eve of the budget session of the state legislature saying the government has failed to tackle drought.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Eknath Khadse told a press conference that there has been a severe drought in many districts and the state government has been found wanting and so it was decided to boycott the tea party organised by the chief minister ahead of the session.

He said that the opposition parties would raise issues like the drought, alleged rape and murder of three minor sisters in Bhandara district and rising crimes against women.

"The SIT on irrigation is without teeth. They are trying to cover up the scam but we will raise the issue in the assembly. The proportion of irrigated land grew by just 0.1 per cent. The government will be held responsible for it alongside issues of corruption in various departments," he said.

He also alleged that the state had not used large amount of funds collected from public transport commuters as 'Child Nutrition Surcharge' and the state owed an explanation in this regard.

Incidentally, rift in the Opposition was also seen today with Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena not joining the luncheon press conference organised by the Sena-BJP at Khadse's residence.