The Shiv Sena was subjected to criticism and sarcastic barbs in both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature on Wednesday as senior Congress and Nationalist Congress Party leaders attacked the party for joining the government.
Citing some articles published in the Sena mouthpiece Saamna , senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said, “For the first two months of this government, you [the Sena] were in the opposition and had threatened to disrupt House proceedings over the farmers’ suicides. Where is your commitment to the farmers’ cause now?”
‘Less important portfolios’Taking a dig at the Sena, senior NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the BJP’s coalition partner was allotted “less important” portfolios in the Devendra Fadnavis government.
“All 63 Sena MLAs travelled to the Marathwada region and met the drought-affected farmers. Won’t you fulfil the promises you made to the farmers?” asked Ajit Pawar.
Sena leader Ramdas Kadam intervened and asked Mr. Pawar to specify about “less important portfolios,” to which Mr. Bhujbal responded by calling the Sena a “sensitive and loyal” party.
The Chief Minister was also at the receiving end from senior NCP leaders. “You are lucky. Due to proximity to the Prime Minister, you were airlifted to the CM post sidelining many seniors. Now use that proximity to get funds for the farmers,” said Mr. Pawar.
