The Maharashtra government's decision to allot ₹5 crore each to the first-time MLAs of the ruling alliance has attracted criticism from the Opposition. The decision to dispense ₹270 crore for 54 MLAs is nothing short of a bribe, they alleged.

While the government has given this fund for developmental activities in the constituencies, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the decision was a total wastage of funds as Maharashtra is already under a debt burden. He pointed out that the government is already cutting down spending on various important schemes. "When farmers are struggling to sell their cotton because of pending approvals, how can the state suddenly find money to give ₹5 crore each to its MLAs? Does the government have no money for farmers but enough for

See Full Page