Fireworks welcoming a BJP delegation in Latur has infuriated Shiv Sena, Congress
Highlights
- BJP lawmakers toured Latur to review relief schemes
- Supporters burst firecrackers to 'welcome' BJP delegation
- Shiv Sena, Congress criticise bursting of crackers as insensitive
In parched Latur in Maharashtra, a team of BJP lawmakers reviewing welfare schemes was greeted with fireworks on Sunday. Almost as loud is the criticism by opposition parties and the BJP's coalition partner Shiv Sena, who allege "shameless" insensitivity in a region where farmers are living in despair.
A dozen BJP parliamentarians visited the areas worst hit by severe drought in the Marathwada region where there have been at least 12 deaths this season. At a party office, supporters burst crackers and organized a tent and music to welcome the delegation.
"There were no garlands or
Shehnais. If some enthusiastic supporters burst crackers, there is nothing wrong in it. It doesn't mean that there will be crackers and
shehnai in the entire tour," said Raosaheb Danve, a union minister and BJP's Maharashtra chief, responding to criticism.
The Shiv Sena, which co-governs Maharashtra with the BJP, has not held back on its sharp disapproval.
"I condemn this act. Is this the time for firecrackers? Are you are on a tour of drought hit areas or trying to campaign for your party?" said Sena leader Balwant Jadhav, calling the welcome show "highly shameful".
Congress leader Venkatesh Bendre said: "They are the ruling party, they should take a decison on the suffering of people. But they are in some sort of celebration mode instead of helping farmers."
The BJP has faced outrage in the past few weeks over what were widely perceived as examples of insensitivity. Last month, for union minister Radha Mohan Singh's visit to drought-hit Bhiwani, gallons of water were allegedly used to level the ground for a makeshift helipad.
Days before that, water was allegedly used to level the ground for state minister Eknath Khadse's tour of Latur, ironically to review the drought situation. Confronting crippling water shortage, Latur is relying on water trains from the Centre.
Another state minister Pankaja Munde was skewered on social media for taking a 'drought selfie' while touring Marathwada.