Opposition sharpens knives to attack Fadnavis govt over graft

Opposition in Maharashtra on Sunday indicated it will adopt an aggressive stand on the issue of “tainted” ministers in BJP-led government and “deteriorating” law and order situation in the state during monsoon session of the legislature beginning here tomorrow.

Congress and NCP members boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to register their protest over the induction of “tainted” ministers in his Cabinet, which was expanded last week, setting the stage for fireworks in both Houses over a range of issues.

Addressing reporters, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil of Congress said the exercise was nothing but an “expansion of corruption”.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde of NCP remarked this is the first government in the history of the state under which “corruption” of eight ministers has been exposed in a span of mere one-and-a-half years. “When in the past did the state see induction of ministers being probed by CBI, SITs and having their names in chargesheets? The Chief Minister has sullied the image of the State,” Vikhe-Patil said. The Opposition will continue to protest against these ministers till they resign, he said.