MUMBAI: Terming Maharashtra Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse's recent comments on farmers as "insulting", Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam today sought his resignation from the state ministry.
"What he spoke about the farmers shows his inability to gauge the sufferings being faced by our farmers. There is a severe drought prevailing in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions and he says they have money to pay their mobile bills! Khadse has insulted the farmers of our state and therefore, he should resign from his post immediately," Kadam told reporters here.
Kadam was referring to Khadse's comments wherein he had said that if farmers can pay their mobile bills, why can't they clear their power dues.
"If they have money to pay their mobile bills, then why don't they have money to pay their electricity bills? They should make it a habit to pay off bills and loans," the senior
BJP leader had said in Akola in Vidarbha, which drew sharp criticism from political parties across the spectrum. Meanwhile, expressing confidence that Shiv Sena will become a part of the Maharashtra government, a senior BJP leader said that the cabinet expansion is likely to happen by the end of this month.
"The cabinet expansion is likely to happen either on November 30 or on December 1. We have always wanted to have the Sena with us in the government. I am almost certain that they will come on board," the BJP leader said on condition of anonymity.