MH-MODI-CONGRESS

The Congress in Maharashtra Wednesday

hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "silence" on

extending help to the farmers affected by drought-like

situation in the state, during his address in Solapur.

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly

Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil also condemned the alleged thrashing

of Congress workers by police for staging a protest during

Modi's visit to Solapur, where he launched various

developmental projects.

He demanded suspension of police personnel who

allegedly thrashed the workers of the Youth and Student wing

of the party.

Accusing the government of behaving in an "autocratic"

manner, Vikhe Patil said he would stage a protest in Solapur

if the police personnel concerned were not suspended.

Former Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde also

slammed Modi for "making false promises".

"The prime minister visited Maharashtra twice in the

past three months. But he did not feel the need to give relief

to the farmers affected by drought. This is the misfortune of

Maharashtra," a statement quoted Vikhe Patil as saying.

"Modi has time to inaugurate (projects), but not for

wiping tears of farmers," the Congress leader said.

Vikhe Patil said the PM remained silent about

extending help to farmers despite Chief Minister Devendra

Fadnavis, who also attended the project launch programme,

requested him for assistance to tackle the situation.

Meanwhile, Shinde attacked Modi for allegedly

questionning the former's contribution towards Solapur, his

home turf.

"Has the Modi government bought even a metre of cloth

from Solapur, famous for its chaddars or bedsheets, for the

paramilitary personnel?" asked Shinde.

He charged the prime minister with making "false

promises".

The Maharashtra government aims to set up a garment

park and a textile training centre in Solapur.

"Modi ji today asked what Sushil Kumar did for

Solapur. But I want to ask him did you buy even one metre of

cloth for (uniforms) of paramilitary forces?

"It is your nature that you deliver speeches

aggressively and make false promises," Shinde said.

The Maharashtra government had last October declared

drought in 151 talukas in 26 of total 36 districts in the

state.

The state government had reportedly sought Central

assistance of Rs 7000 crore for drought mitigation.