Maharashtra: BJP asks party leaders to support govt in tackling drought

Mumbai: Maharashtra BJP has directed all the party's MLAs, MLCs and MPs in the state to shoulder the responsibility for tackling drought in affected regions, particularly Marathwada.

As per the directive of BJP president Raosaheb Danve-Patil to party's all elected representatives, they are supposed to ensure implementation of government's drought relief measures till the monsoon arrives in the state.

On March 6, Danve toured drought-hit areas of Aurangabad and Jalna districts in Marathwada region. He directed party cadres, legislators and other elected representatives to convey the problems faced by the farmers and villagers to the government, so as to ensure effective implementation of drought relief measures.

"All the MLAs, MLCs and Members of Parliament should undertake a tour of the drought affected regions in the state between March 9 to March 18. The elected representatives will have to interact with local administration, take stock of the drought relief measures, interact with villagers and ask local party workers to ensure effective implementation of drought relief works," he said.

For the last three consecutive years, Marathwada has been facing drought, Danve said, adding that the government has been standing firmly behind the farmers.

"In order to ensure people's participation in the government's drought relief works, the party has taken the lead in ensuring communication between the affected people and the government," he said.

Danve said that the party, through public contribution, has made available 35 poclain machines which are being used to remove silt from water ponds, lakes, river beds and small farm ponds. These machines are also being used for the 'Jalyukt Shivar' programme (launched to make Maharashtra a drought-free state by 2019).