Opposition Congress and NCP on Saturday attacked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over sanction of funds from CM Relief Fund to a dance troupe, demanding his resignation and apology for the ‘travesty’.
“Money meant for relief fund or relief for a particular unforeseen situation is used for all kinds of picadillo in Bangkok. What could be a greater travesty?
“This calls for the resignation of the Chief Minister.
The relief fund is administered by the Chief Minister directly. If money has been misappropriated for a cause for which the money has not been collected, it is a very serious issue. The Chief Minister should resign or the opposition parties together must insist on his resignation,” Congress leader Manish Tewari said.
The attack came even as the Chief Minister’s Office denied any wrongdoing and said that the dance troupe comprising government employees was allocated the funds meant for such activities.
An RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali found that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved Rs 8 lakh for a government employees dance troupe to participate in a competition in Bangkok in December. He sanctioned the sum that was transferred to Sachivalaya Gymkhana for the dance contest.
“Maharashtra is facing severe drought and thousands of farmers are committing suicide. Thousands of applications are pending before Chief Minister. People are seeking relief for chronic diseases such as cancer and heart attack. He has no time to take the decision to distribute Rs 5,000-10,000 to needy people.
“This cannot be tolerated. He should apologise for his shameful act. The money should be recovered from the people who have enjoyed. If not, Mr. Fadnavis should pay from his own pocket,” NCP leader Nawab Malik said.
