Kadam demands Mah CM's resignation

Mumbai, Jul 16 (UNI) The Maharashtra government today came under heavy fire from the Opposition, with Leader of the Opposition Ramdas Kadam demanding in the assembly resignation of chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh for his failure to tackle the drought-like issue.

Initiating the discussion, Mr Kadam said a farmer had immolated himself at Pandharpur, which is very unfortunate. He held the government responsible for the problems faced by farmers in supply of fertilizers and seeds.

Participating in the discussion, BJP leader Gopinath Munde said 80 per cent of the state's population is facing drought and added that if drought is announced, then only water and fodder and employment will be the responsibility of government. However, it won't be there if it is announced as 'scarcity'.

He said this drought is different from that of in 1972, 1986 or 2004 as at that time sowing activity could not take place. As no kharif crops are being sowed, this would result in shortage of food in future.

Mr Munde suggested that the state should demand assistance from the Centre and demanded that the Centre should a send a team to Maharashtra for survey.

He also said the state should reduce their expenditure and earmark Rs 10,000 crore for providing fodder, water and employment.

Several legislators of the Opposition and treasury benches also participated in the discussion.

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