Gadkari’s advice to investors reveals fiscal crisis in Maharashtra, says Supriya Sule

Pune: NCP (SCP) working president Supriya Sule on Monday said that Union minister Nitin Gadkari's statement on Sunday that investors should not expect subsidies from the state govt as it has to spend funds on schemes like Mukhyamantri Mazhi Ladki Bahin Yojana confirms that Maharashtra's economy is in trouble.

"Gadkari is from the party in the centre and the state. If he is talking about Maharashtra's financial condition, it must be based on much more internal information than the others have and it is clear from his statement that the state's economy is facing a crisis," Supriya told mediapersons in Pune on Monday.

She said MNS leader Raj Thackeray, who supported BJP in the Lok Sabha election, has also raised concerns about the state's financial condition.

"Economic experts have raised flags about the state's economy. As the opposition, we have been questioning it but now those in govt also doubt it. The situation is worrisome," she added.

The Baramati MP also said that the economy was strong until MVA was in power. "From (former CM) Yashwantrao Chavan's days, Maharashtra's economy has been among the top states. It remained so for five decades. This is the first time it dipped and the Mahayuti's triple engine govt is responsible," she added.

Supriya accused the state govt of being biased in allocating funds to MLAs based on who they support. "This govt distributes funds to those who support it and neglects MLAs from the opposition. Such vendetta politics is sad to see. We oppose them ideologically but they take it personally," she added.

Supriya also said that the opposition will demand an inquiry into the case against the Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman by the Karnataka police in Parliament in November.

Karnataka police registered an FIR against Sitharaman and others over allegations of 'extorting money' through the electoral bond scheme which has been scrapped.

Supriya said, "Such reports are shocking. I have known her (Sitharaman) for a long time as one of the most cultured women politicians. We will demand a transparent inquiry."