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Maharashtra Chief Minister defends use of relief funds for dance contest

by IBNS 23 Oct 2015, 10:52 pm

Mumbai, Oct 24 (IBNS): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday clarified that the money granted to a government employees dance group's visit to Thailand was from 25 per cent of the fund which is reserved for cultural activities.

Under attack from the opposition, Fadnavis said Chief Minister's Relief Fund has separate accounts for drought relief.

Clarifying the issue, Fadnavis said: "Around 25 per cent of the fund is reserved for cultural activities. Out of which we sponsor people for cultural activities."

Opposition parties slammed him for purportedly granting eight lakhs for the trip to Bangkok to participate in a dance competition when the state was badly hit by drought.

Several farmers have committed suicides in the state in recent times.

The information came to light after Right to Information Act by activist Anil Galgali filed the query over the issue.

Attacking the Maharashtra government, the Congress tweeted: "Maharashtra is reeling under drought, but BJP Govt uses CM's drought relief fund to send dance troupes to Bangkok!"