Mumbai, Aug 2 (UNI) Maharashtra Opposition Leader Ajit Pawar on Tuesday slammed the government of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the delays in cabinet expansion which has severely paralyzed the administration and hit relief work for the victims in flood-hit regions. Speaking to media persons after a 4-day tour of the flood ravaged districts, Pawar slammed the Shiv Sena breakaway faction leader Shinde and Bharatiya Janata Party’s Fadnavis for neglecting the plight of farmers affected by the recent spell of heavy rains and floods in Marathwada, Vidarbha and others parts of the state. He accused the Chief Minister of remaining busy attending his felicitation functions while the state suffered on account of delay in the cabinet even 34 days after he was sworn- in on June 30.
“The two-man government (Shinde-Fadnavis) holds marathon meetings without allocating portfolios to other ministers in the cabinet hall with 43 chairs (of ministers) with the chairs looking at them and asking when they will get their occupants,” said Pawar in a swipe at the ruling duo. He called upon Shinde to attend to the crucial administration rather than going around attending his felicitations and reaching out help to the flood-hit farmers and villagers, expand the cabinet and convene the long-delayed monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature. Pawar said that the absence of a cabinet for a prolonged period has hampered the coordination of various departments.
