Facing flak, Maharashtra govt passes buck for Kharghar tragedy

MUMBAI: With the death toll due to heatstroke at Sunday's Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony in Kharghar mounting to 13, the state government came in for criticism across party lines.
With the Opposition questioning why an outdoor ceremony with several lakh people present was held at midday when the temperature had risen to 38 degrees, culture minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said the event timings were suggested by social activist Appasaheb Dharmadhikari who was the recipient.
Leaders including Uddhav Thackeray, Supriya Sule and Raj Thackeray questioned the timing, management and choice of venue. Uddhav, who visited the patients, said he did not expect the state to conduct an inquiry while his cousin, the MNS chief, said fatalities could have been avoided if the event had been held at Raj Bhawan instead of outdoors.
Countering criticism that it failed with arrangements at Kharghar, industries minister Uday Samant said preparations were made but the weather changed over two days. He said a rise in temperature to 34-36 degrees Celsius was the reason for this incident. Konkan divisional commissioner Mahendra Kalyankar has submitted a preliminary report on the incident to the culture department, which was the organiser.
"This is an unfortunate incident. The followers of Appasaheb had come there on their own and on Appasaheb's appeal. Government made arrangements for ambulances and other healthcare facilities were provided ... what is the government's irresponsibility? The event was held based on the time given by Appasaheb Dharmadhikari," Mungantiwar said.
In a press release, Appasaheb said he was pained and urged people not to politicise the incident.