Government gave revised nod to 29 irrigation projects of Vid: CM

Staff Reporter

“During Winter Session of the State Legislature the MahaYuti Government gave revised administrative approval to 29 irrigation projects of Vidarbha costing Rs 6,600 crore,” said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde while interacting with mediapersons in the Vidhan Bhavan premises after the winter session prorogued, on Wednesday. Expressing satisfaction over taking up various issues in both the Houses during the Winter Session of State Legislature, Shinde said, the underlying thinking was to solve problems of common man on priority. “Yes, the Opposition did try to corner the Government but it was quite a futile attempt. In fact, the most surprising aspect was utter lack of commitment on the part of the Opposition towards the pressing issues of Vidarbha,” said Shinde. As per convention, the problems of Vidarbha are tabled for discussion. Also, pending issues are resolved through the Government after debates and discussions by the Opposition. This year, however, the task was left to Treasury benches who highlighted development projects in Vidarbha and sought funds for the same.

“We were surprised at lackluster Opposition who seems to be at odds with itself,” said the Chief Minister. Flanked by his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde appeared unfazed by Damocles sword hanging on his head and his camp as Speaker Rahul Narwekar wrapped up hearing on petition seeking disqualification of Shiv Sena MLAs. “There is no threat to Mahayuti Government and it will remain stable come what may. Further, in case any member from Treasury benches are disqulified they are bound to get re-elected,” said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to a querry as to alternate plan as the Speaker wrapped up the prolonged hearing of disqualification petition. He was interacting after asked about alternate arrangements in case there was adverse order as to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and others legislators of Shiv Sena camp. Replying a querry, Shinde said, Mahayuti knows when the model code of conduct is gong to be in force. Hence the special session on Maratha issue will not clash with it. The Chief Minister also said, historically, the elections are announced in the month of March. Hence granting reservations to Marathas remains the Government’s commitment given to the community. It will be fulfilled, he assured.

Several other measures including development of pilgrimage centers of Pohradevi in Amravati and Ram Mandir at Ramtek also were announced during the session, he added. To a query on the issue of non-constitution of Legislature Committees, Dy CM Pawar said, on Wednesday only Speaker Rahul Narwekar took the decision to reconstitute the same. Intervening him, Fadnavis said, the stay on the Committee’s functioning was granted by the then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. To this, Pawar added, each political party will be given representation as per its strength. The Speaker is set to make the announcement about the Chairpersons soon, he said. Pawar also said, they are set to take up the issue with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah during their visit to New Delhi. In the same meeting, other pending issues of the State including sanction to Development Boards, export of milk powder, ethanol issue, onion export, and other issues will be taken up, he added.