Opposition Congress and NCP today accused Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra of "inaction" in providing relief to farmers in the face of severe drought and water scarcity in many parts of the state.
NCP will stage "jail bharo" agitation in Marathwada on September 14 and in North Maharashtra the next day, said the state unit chief Sunil Tatkare.
NCP president Sharad Pawar, who reviewed the situation with senior party leaders, asked his party to aggressively target the government on its "failure" to tackle the crisis, Tatkare said.
Leader of opposition in the Assembly and Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil demanded that a special session of the legislature be convened to discuss the crisis. He said the party will meet Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to press for the demand.
He also lashed out at the Chief Minister for going ahead with his Japan visit next week. "This trip is not required. Chief Minister should first protect what is existing and then think about bringing fresh investment," he said.
The Congress leader also accused Eknath Khadse, who holds relief and rehabilitation portfolio, of not taking adequate steps to provide relief to farmers.
"Perhaps he is waiting for his own political rehabilitation," Vikhe-Patil said in a veiled reference to Khadse's Chief Ministerial ambitions.
He said during the Congress-NCP rule, a high powered committee under the then relief and rehabilitation minister met every week ahead of the cabinet meeting to take stock of the drought and necessary decisions were taken even in consultation with opposition MLAs.
Vikhe-Patil accused the Fadnavis government of practising political untouchability and failing to take opposition along to find immediate solution to help the farmers.
