Congress Criticizes Maharashtra for Extravagant Spending Amid Financial Woes

Nagpur, Jun 25 (PTI) Congress Legislature Party leader in Maharashtra, Vijay Wadettiwar, has criticized the Mahayuti government for extravagant spending after estimate committee members were reportedly served meals in silver plates at a conclave in Mumbai, calling the act inappropriate given the state's financial challenges. On Wednesday, Wadettiwar, the former state minister, also spotlighted issues related to law and order under the BJP-led government and highlighted "internal contradictions" within the coalition comprising the BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena. Speaking in Nagpur, he questioned government priorities, pointing out, "When the state is virtually on the brink of bankruptcy, what was the need to serve meals in silver plates to members of the Estimates Committees in Mumbai?" He claimed each meal cost around Rs 5,000 and criticized the extravagant spending at a time when farmers face loan waiver denials and crucial welfare schemes suffer budget cuts. The meeting was a two-day conference for Estimates Committees from June 23 at Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai, with participation from Parliament and state legislative panel members. These financial committees examine department expenditure estimates in budgets and fund utilization. "A majority of farmers in Vidarbha have been denied fresh crop loans, Anganwadi workers aren’t paid timely honorarium, and funds for specific welfare initiatives remain pending," Wadettiwar noted, and alleged that serving meals in silver plates to committee members is an insult to the poor. His party colleague, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, echoed similar concerns against the government over the luxurious meal issue. Sapkal questioned if the funds used for such banquets were tied to money found at a Dhule government guest house previously, pointing to a large cash amount found last month ahead of a state estimates committee visit. "They have no money for farmer relief or modest welfare payments, yet money is found for such lavish events," Sapkal remarked. In contrast, citing an incident in Pune where a BJP office-bearer allegedly molested a policewoman, Wadettiwar questioned the government's capability to uphold law and order, especially when BJP members are involved. Raising concerns over the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Expressway plans, Wadettiwar spoke of farmer opposition and internal cabinet dissent suggesting if ministers Hasan Mushrif and Prakash Abitkar truly object, they should resign, indicating double standards within the government. The expressway aims to connect Pavnar in Wardha with Patradevi in Sindhudurg. The Congress MLA accused the Mahayuti government of "double standards," spending on political elites while ignoring funds for the needy, and Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut also criticized the government regarding alleged corruption, claiming it unmatched worldwide due to its high level.