Following the loss of life and property due to floods in western Maharashtra the Opposition has demanded that the government should declare the floods as a national calamity and Centre should release Rs 4,000 crore for relief and rehabilitation work. "Why did the government waste four crucial days? That caused the death of several people. We hope that the government understands the gravity of the situation in western Maharashtra. Thousands of people are displaced now. They should announce relief and rehabilitation package immediately," demanded Balasaheb Thorat, president, Maharashtra Congress. He also criticised the absence of guardian ministers of the flood-affected areas. "We demand the all-party leaders meeting to take the stock of the calamity. Besides, it will help to expedite the relief and rehabilitation work," added Thorat. "Late Home minister RR Patil had threatened the Karnataka government if they did not release the additional water from their Almatti dam, then they will also release more water from Maharashtra dams that are on the border of Karnataka border. After that, they released the water and major calamity was averted. The BJP ruling government wasted crucial time that caused the death of several people and damage of property," an NCP leader alleged. He added that in 2005 too similar kind of situation arose but the erstwhile government acted speedily. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis refuted all allegations saying the help to affected people is more important. He said that this is not the time of politics but work together to tackle this unprecedented calamity. "The most important thing for us to rescue the people and place them at safest locations," clarified the Chief Minister.

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