Rane defends huge loans

Launching a frontal attack on the new government, Rane said it was essential to probe into the reasons for securing such huge loans. 8220;I feel that if the Congress party, which was at the helm of affairs ever since Independence, had done its job carefully, then no loan would have been required to implement projects of public interest. But when we took over, we found that it the Congress had miserably failed in its duties and meet the aspirations of the people. Under such circumstances, we had no option but to knock at the doors of the financial institutions,8221; Rane pointed out.

Elaborating on the need of huge loans, Rane said that in 1991 the irrigation department was allocated Rs 3611 crore and in the following four years, when the Sena-BJP alliance was in power, it provided Rs 11863 crore. 8220;Such huge budgetary provision was necessary because we were on the verge of losing our share of water from the Krishna River. If we do not utilise the water by May 2,000, then our share will be reduced,8221; he added.

On the power front, Rane claimed that saffron alliance had disbursed Rs 6203 crore as against Rs 5666 crore during Congress rule, while for Public Works Department PWD it spent Rs 4888 crore against Congress8217; Rs 2780 crore. 8220;We succeeding in connecting 97 per cent of the villages in the State with all-weather roads. Compared to other states, it was one of our biggest achievements,8221; he claimed.

So far as the public toilets were concerned, Rane said till 1995, 75,000 toilets were constructed, while during the alliance rule, a record number of 13 lakh toilets were built, particularly in the rural areas.

On budgetary provision for drinking water, Rane claimed that it was highest ever since the formation of Maharashtra. 8220;During 1991-95, a provision of Rs 1237 crore was made against Rs 3473 crore during the alliance rule,8221; he added.

Strongly criticising the new Chief Minister, Rane said he was probably the first political head of the State, who has not been able to allocate portfolios a week after the swearing-in of his cabinet colleagues. 8220;I think he should first set his house in order and then make big talks,8221; he remarked.

On the revival of the minorities commission, Rane said, though it was well within the jurisdiction of the new government, official records have confirmed that none of the earlier governments have implemented any of the recommendations of such commissions. 8220;It will be wrong to revive the Minorities8217; Commission because it will lead to fresh rift between minority and majority communities,8221; he added.

Rane expressed surprise and shock over one of the Chief Minister8217;s first order announcing the creation of Dapoli and Kankavali Municipal Councils. 8220;This is out of vengeance. I had taken the decision for the development of the area and not my personal benefit. I hope better sense will prevail and the new chief minister will take decision more judiciously,8221; he said.