Former Congress minister backs Munde over 'drought selfie'

Mumbai, April 19: Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde, under fire for clicking a selfie during her visit to drought-hit Marathwada, has found support from an unlikely quarter today with a senior Congress leader saying the BJP leader snapped photo as she has done work in the region.

"She took the selfie as she has done work. She is young, energetic Minister," former minister Balasaheb Thorat said. Munde, who is Rural Development Minister, came under the line of fire from across the political spectrum for clicking selfie while she was at a village in drought-hit Latur on Sunday for reviewing the desilting work in Manjara river, which has nearly dried up.

"Those criticising her should first see what they have done. Nobody seems to have noticed Pankaja is walking in the scorching sun (while taking the selfie)," Thorat told reporters at Ahmednagar. "Have those flaying her switched off air conditioners in their homes?" Thorat asked.

Munde's act of clicking selfies had come under attack from ruling ally Shiv Sena as well as the Opposition. Criticising the Minister, the Opposition Congress and the NCP had said Munde has mocked the drought-affected farmers by such a "shameful act".

Munde has defended herself saying she took pictures out of elation on seeing water in a trench in the dried up river.

PTI