Latur: 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.
"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".
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.
Another state minister Pankaja Munde was skewered on social media for taking a 'drought selfie' while touring Marathwada.
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.
"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".
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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.
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Another state minister Pankaja Munde was skewered on social media for taking a 'drought selfie' while touring Marathwada.
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