Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. (Source: File Photo) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. (Source: File Photo) The two-week-long Winter Session begins on Monday in Mumbai, with battlelines already drawn between the ruling and Opposition parties. The state government intends to bring 13 legislations in the ongoing session on a wide range of issues, from drought to reservation. Both the ruling and Opposition parties have traded charges while spelling out their agenda for the session. In a veiled warning to the Opposition, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there were some sections trying to politicise the reservation issue to create division based on caste and religion, which was unfortunate. While reiterating the government’s commitment to socio-economic and political upliftment of each and every community, the chief minister said, “We are equally concerned about the quota demands of Marathas, Dhangars and Muslims. Welfare of one and all is our commitment.” The remark came following Congress-NCP leaders’ allegations that the government had failed to fulfill the promise made to the Dhangars and Muslims on quota. Fadnavis said, “In case of the Dhangar (shepherd) community, they already get 3.5 per cent reservation under nomadic tribe sub-category under Other Backward Class. Their demand is, they should be considered under Scheduled Tribe category. The decision to enlist any community under Scheduled Tribes comes under the jurisdiction of the Centre.” “However, the state government, which had commissioned the Tata Institute of Social Sciences to ascertain their tribal status, has received the report. Based on the TISS findings, it will send a proposal to the Centre to consider the Dhangar community’s long-pending demand,” he added. “Every demand which is pending would be considered within the legal and Constitutional framework to ensure social, economic upliftment of the community,” he assured, without elaborating on the Muslim quota. Opposition leaders Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and Dhananjay Munde pointed to the government’s failure in tackling drought to investments. Acknowledging that the state is heading for a severe drought, he outlined the plan and relief measures taken by the government to tackle the situation. Unlike in the past when drought assessment was made after the rabi season in January-February, Maharashtra is among the first states to declare drought on October 31. A detailed proposal seeking financial aid of Rs 7,500 crore has been sent to the Centre. From deployment of water tankers to electricity and educational fee waiver have been enforced in drought hit regions. “We are ready for a debate on drought. We look forward to recommendations from the Opposition. But false allegations are unacceptable. It does not help the people who are undergoing hardships,” Fadnavis said. For all the latest Mumbai News, download Indian Express App

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