BJP describes Rs 20, 200 cr annual plan as ''Plain hogwosh''

Mumbai, Feb 8 (UNI) Newly elected Maharashtra BJP Legislature party leader Eknath Khadse today criticised the annual plan of Rs 20,200 crore, sanctioned for the state by the Planning Commission, stating that it was an ''illusion and a hogwash.'' Addressing a press conference here, Mr Khadse demanded that the State Government present details of the provisions made and expenditure incurred from last year's Rs 14,300 crore plan. The BJP leader also wondered how new resources to the the tune of Rs 6,000 crore would be raised.

Mr Khadse pointed out that the annual plan does not mention any details regarding as to how the debt repayment of Rs 1,35,000 crore would be made. He alleged that the state was facing a financial crisis, developmental works are being delayed due to lack of funds and the electricity deficit has crossed 5000 mw.

He criticised the reported statement of Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh that the people should be mentally prepared to face additional loadshedding.

''The government has not given power to the people but shoots them when they protest against injustice,'' he lamented referring to the recent police firing in Umred, against locals protesting against frequent loadshedding.

UNI