File photo of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said action will be taken against banks that do not distribute the financial aid released by the government to the farmers.
He also said that the state Cabinet will be expanded before the Legislature's monsoon session and that 'justice' will be done with smaller allies of the 'Mahayuti' (grand alliance).
"I have recently come to know that there are some co-operative and private banks that have withheld money which the state government sanctioned as financial aid for farmers," said Mr Fadnavis.
He is in Kolhapur to attend the party's state executive meet that will conclude today.
"For instance, there is a bank in a tehsil of Buldhana district that withheld Rs 4 crore out of Rs 132 crore given to them. I have asked the Collector to serve a three-day notice period to the bank and lodge an FIR against it," he said.
The BJP President designate Raosaheb Danve had yesterday alleged that most banks, where money has been deposited by the government as financial aid for farmers affected by the drought and unseasonal rains, are run by representatives from Opposition parties and that the owners of these banks have pocketed the money.
Meanwhile, when asked if smaller parties of the alliance will get a ministerial berth in the upcoming Cabinet expansion, Mr Fadnavis said, "Justice will be done with all the allies of the 'Mahayuti'."
To a query regarding farmer's reaction over the recent beef ban imposed by the government, Mr Fadnavis claimed that no farmer in the state is willing to sell his cattle to slaughter houses and that they sell it only in exceptional circumstances.
"No farmer would want to sell his cattle to slaughter houses. They used to do so under extreme circumstances. But now, Jain institutions are willing to start 'Gau Shalas' in every district," he said.
To another query, the Chief Minister said meetings are being held with the Sena on filling up vacancies in
co-operative institutions and that all posts will be filled by next month.