Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole criticized the state government’s extravagant expenditure on cabinet meetings, particularly in the context of the severe drought-like conditions in Marathwada.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the cabinet meeting in Aurangabad on September 16, Patole slammed the government of accommodating the chief minister, ministers, and officials in a luxury five-star hotel at the taxpayers’ expense, despite the dire situation faced by farmers.
“Even as farmers are dying, the state government indulges in five-star luxury on public money. It will just make some false promises and walk away,” the Congress leader said.
He questioned the need for such opulence during cabinet meetings and urged officials to stay in government guesthouses to better understand the issues faced by the people of Marathwada.
“Spending millions on a cabinet meeting while people struggle with rising costs is like rubbing salt on the wounds of people in Marathwada,” Patole said while accusing the government of being insensitive and thick-skinned.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s decision to stay in a luxurious star-rated hotel, along with reservations for deputy chief ministers, state ministers, and officials, has drawn criticism from the opposition. “If the cabinet meeting in Aurangabad is being held to address the concerns of people in Marathwada, then it is a welcome move. But why the extravagant display of wealth for it? During previous cabinet meetings in Aurangabad, all chief ministers stayed in the government guesthouse,» he said.
Furthermore, Patole accused the government of prioritizing grandiose events to showcase its achievements instead of assisting those in need. He pointed out that despite severe drought conditions and crop failures in Marathwada, the government had not provided adequate support to affected farmers. “The thick-skinned government is wasting public money by organising programmes to showcase its achievements. This insensitive government has splurged on advertising events, and now it will waste public money on cabinet meetings,» the Congress leader alleged.