BJP MLA Mungantiwar Intensifies Attack on Maharashtra Government During Budget Session
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sudhir Mungantiwar has once again adopted his characteristic "opposition leader" mode, turning up the heat on the ruling Maharashtra government during the ongoing budget session in Mumbai. This follows a similarly aggressive stance he maintained during the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur.
Demanding a Scientific Mechanism for Milk Pricing
In his trademark confrontational style, Mungantiwar raised critical questions regarding milk pricing, pressing the government to establish a structural and scientific framework. The Ballarpur MLA argued passionately for the survival of milk producers and the prevention of distress sales of cattle.
"There can be no greater sin than forcing cattle into slaughter due to economic compulsion," Mungantiwar declared, emphasizing the ethical and economic urgency of the issue.
He proposed the appointment of a dedicated committee that would study milk pricing scientifically and submit comprehensive reports every three years to inform policy decisions. Drawing pointed comparisons, Mungantiwar noted that the price of one liter of milk is currently lower than that of country liquor, highlighting a perceived disparity in valuation.
Furthermore, he questioned why milk producers could not benefit from an institutional mechanism similar to those enjoyed by government employees, who receive periodic pay commissions, and sugarcane farmers, who operate under a central pricing system.
Pressing for Clarity on Paddy Bonus and Administrative Delays
Mungantiwar also directed his scrutiny towards the issue of paddy bonus, demanding clear and immediate answers from Civil Supplies Minister of State Yogesh Kadam. He stressed the urgency of issuing a government resolution within two days to facilitate cabinet consideration, warning that further delays could jeopardize the process.
"If the government resolution is issued within two days, only then can the matter go before the cabinet. Otherwise, it may not happen," Mungantiwar asserted, urging the minister to avoid evasive replies.
Additionally, the BJP leader criticized significant administrative delays in responding to legislators' questions. He cited a specific instance where a question raised on March 16, 2022, received a reply only last week, questioning whether officials felt unaccountable for such prolonged inefficiencies.
In a sarcastic remark, Mungantiwar suggested that the assembly should pass a "Thoko Bill-2026" against errant officials and demanded a detailed report on the matter within two days.
Context of Mungantiwar's Aggressive Stance
During previous legislative sessions, Mungantiwar's aggressive posture was often attributed to his exclusion from the state cabinet. However, recent political developments suggest a potential shift in dynamics.
Notably, Mungantiwar recently engineered a nearly-impossible political feat by securing the Chandrapur mayor's seat for the BJP, despite the party not holding a majority in the civic elections. This accomplishment, achieved with full support from the party leadership, has been interpreted by many observers as a thaw in previously strained relations.
Nevertheless, Mungantiwar continues to maintain his aggressive tone in the assembly, a style that ruling party MLAs typically avoid to prevent putting their own government in the dock. His persistent criticism underscores ongoing tensions and highlights key issues affecting Maharashtra's agricultural and administrative sectors.
