BJP slams state government for failure to control COVID-19; criticises for purchase of vehicle for ministers

Mumbai: During the coronavirus crisis, the Maharashtra state government denied financial assistance to many sections of the society from the state coffers, suspended development work in the state on the pretext of deteriorating economic condition, but on the other hand, lakhs of rupees are being squandered on ministers' vehicles. This question is whether this government is for the people or for the ministers? The issue was raised by Keshav Upadhye, Chief Spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

On Wednesday Upadhye had organised a video-press conference and he raised issue against the current government.

Upadhye said, “During the pandemic, Barabalutedar's the 12 traditional village craftsmen businesses like tailoring, cobbler, blacksmith, barber and others have been completely shut down, milk farmers are not getting a fair price for their milk produce, the situation is critical, tribal brethren Khavti loans is still not disbursed, corona warriors are not being paid on time, police, doctors and nurses are also not being paid on time."

He added, "Industries are in trouble; rising electricity bills are hurting consumers and development work in the state has been postponed under the guise of austerity measures. Despite all these problems, the government is spending lakhs of rupees on ministers' luxury cars. Earlier, the state government had sanctioned six cars for education ministers and officials. So then whether the government has money only for the ministers?”

“Hue and cry was raised that the central government does not provide funds to the state. However, Maharashtra has received the highest amount of funds from the PM Care Fund and also the state has received the highest GST refund. The central government has repeatedly extended the limits and deadlines for the purchase of Rabi and Kharif crops. The Financial assistance was also provided to all sections of the state under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan that is the Self-Reliant India Campaign. However, the state government has not provided any form of financial assistance or grant to the people of the state,” Upadhye concluded.