Patole hits out at govt over unfulfilled poll promises

Nagpur: Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Thursday strongly criticized the BJP-led state government, accusing it of failing to deliver on key electoral promises, including the ₹2,100 monthly aid for women, job creation from foreign investments, and enhanced electricity supply for farmers.
He demanded a white paper on investments made at Davos and called for transparency regarding the economic and employment benefits claimed by the administration.
Speaking during the debate on budgetary allocations in the Maharashtra legislature, Patole asserted that less than 40% of last year's allocated funds had been utilized, calling it a governance failure. He accused the ruling coalition of making grand promises to win elections while failing to implement them.
"The BJP government assured ₹2,100 per month under the Ladki Bahin scheme during elections. Over 100 days have passed, yet not a single rupee has been disbursed. Instead of expanding the programme, the government is reducing the number of beneficiaries," he said.
Patole also raised concerns about rising unemployment, questioning the state's claims of attracting substantial investment from Davos. "The government spoke of investments worth lakhs of crores. Where are these industries? How many jobs have been created? A white paper is imperative to reveal the truth," he insisted.
Highlighting the struggles of farmers, the former Speaker pointed out that the government had promised 12-hour electricity supply, but farmers are barely receiving eight hours. "Frequent transformer failures are worsening the situation, yet officials remain indifferent," he said.
With summer approaching, Patole warned of an impending water crisis that could threaten both drinking and irrigation water supplies. "The government must clarify its plans to ensure water and power access for farmers before their crops perish," he added.
Patole questioned why Maharashtra still has the highest power costs in the country despite claims of infrastructure improvements. He also criticized the administration's tax policies, warning that excessive taxation was driving industrialists away, hampering economic growth.
"The government needs to explain how it plans to encourage new investments and prevent businesses from leaving Maharashtra," he said.
Alleging corruption in the labour department, Patole claimed that schemes meant for workers were being misused by contractors in collusion with officials. He also expressed concerns over unregulated mining projects in Gadchiroli, warning that reckless excavation was destroying forests and displacing tribal communities.
Additionally, he slammed the government for failing to fulfill its election promise of constructing rural access roads. "They assured farm roads would be built. Why is there no progress? The government must set a timeline and deliver," he demanded.