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Joshi takes on Pawar, says 'no' to Vidarbha

Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi on Thursday strongly opposed the formation of a separate state of Vidharbha.

The Shiv Sena, he asserted, would under no circumstance allow the state to be divided.

Speaking to reporters at the Ujalaiwadi aerodrome near Kolhapur, Joshi strongly criticised the demand made by the Opposition to this effect. He said the Sena would not accept such a political game.

Commenting on Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sharad Pawar's open support to Vidharbha, the chief minister ridiculed the stand, which, he said, was political motivated.

The statement, he added, was an example of Pawar's dirty politics.

Joshi ruled out any possibility of a cabinet expansion before the Dashera festival, saying the issue is a "minor" one.

A deputation of Shiv Sena activists, led by Subash Desai, had recently met Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde, demanding reduction in power tariff, Joshi said, replying to a question.

The chief minister admitted that his government was presently passing through a phase of financial tension but expressed confidence that it would overcome all difficulties shortly. He criticised the Opposition for colouring a wrong picture in this connection.

The Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance government has undertaken various developmental schemes in the state, including irrigation projects under the Maharashtra State Krishna Valley Development Corporation, he pointed out.

Asked about MKVDC contractors threat to go on hunger strike from September 14 demanding payment, Joshi said they (the contractors) should not behave like politicians and use weapons of agitation but work as contractors.

The state government had assured them of payment but it was delayed, Joshi said. His government, he continued, has sympathy for them and their demand would be fulfilled shortly.

UNI

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