Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, the former minister claimed that farmer suicides had risen over the past year and that agricultural produce was not receiving assured prices, while cultivators continued to struggle to obtain seeds and fertilisers on time
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that the BJP-led Mahayuti administration had left the people of Maharashtra deeply disappointed. File Pic
As the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra marked one year in office on Friday, the Opposition Congress demanded that it present a white paper during the forthcoming winter session of the state legislature, outlining its achievements over the past twelve months, reported the PTI.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that the BJP-led Mahayuti administration had left the people of Maharashtra deeply disappointed.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, the former minister claimed that farmer suicides had risen over the past year and that agricultural produce was not receiving assured prices, while cultivators continued to struggle to obtain seeds and fertilisers on time.
“The government is busy congratulating itself,” Wadettiwar said, adding, “They sit in five-star hotels and boast about their achievements, but people have gained nothing except frustration,” according to the PTI.
He urged the government to table a comprehensive white paper during the winter session, beginning on 8 December in Nagpur, listing its pre-election promises, decisions taken, and the extent of their implementation.
A white paper is typically a government document providing detailed information or proposals on matters of public interest.
Wadettiwar said that the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti coalition had failed on several fronts, including protecting women and safeguarding children’s health.
He further alleged a “nexus between builders and ministers” in the state.
“Floods in Marathwada have devastated farmers. The number of malnourished children has gone up. Road conditions across the state have deteriorated. Crimes against women are rising. Builders and ministers are seizing land worth crores with mutual understanding. Favoured industrialists are thriving while ordinary people suffer,” he claimed, as per the PTI.
The Congress leader also alleged illegal coal mining in Chandrapur district, which he represents in the Assembly.
“At the Baranj coal mine in Chandrapur, illegal extraction is under way in complete violation of regulations. Coal worth lakhs is being openly sold in the market,” he alleged, the news agency reported.
He said that conditions set by the Environment Department when approving mining in 2023 had been breached, and rehabilitation of affected families remained incomplete.
“From the Environment Minister to officials in the Forest Department, everyone is involved in these irregularities,” he added, stating that the matter would be raised in the Assembly next week, reported the PTI.
Wadettiwar criticised the government for failing to appoint a Leader of the Opposition in either House, arguing that the ruling coalition had no respect for democracy or the Constitution.
“In a democracy, a strong Opposition is essential, but this government wants neither Opposition nor dissent,” he said, as per the PTI.
He also demanded that instead of the customary winter session in Nagpur, a full-fledged Budget Session should be held in Maharashtra’s second capital.
(with PTI inputs)
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