Mumbai, Feb 25 (NationPress) NCP (SP) legislator Jayant Patil heavily criticized the state government during a session discussing the Governor's address in the Legislative Assembly, challenging the misleading statistics regarding investments and job creation.

He pointed out that the Governor cited MoUs totaling Rs 30 lakh crore from 18 countries at Davos, claiming to create 40 lakh jobs. Patil demanded real data, emphasizing that since 2022, the government has projected 53 lakh jobs without any visible outcomes.

He also noted the Governor's admission that Maharashtra's contribution to the national GDP has dropped from 14 percent to 13.5 percent.

Furthermore, he disclosed that Rs 77,500 crore owed to state contractors is still pending.

Patil likened the Governor's address to a pre-scripted performance, remarking, "The Governor’s speech is fundamentally the Cabinet’s speech. It reminds me of a famous line from 3 Idiots: ‘The words are ours, but he is the one speaking.’"

He expressed astonishment at the notable absence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the address.

While the speech referenced many distinguished figures, Patil argued that the government has failed to embody their principles.

Specifically, he pointed out the demolition of the historic Mankarnika Ghat in Varanasi, established by Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar. He insisted that the Uttar Pradesh government should compensate for the site’s destruction and called on the Chief Minister to take action.

Despite invoking Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Patil argued that there are no substantial welfare schemes for the tribal community.

Criticizing the government’s approach to the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, Patil stated that mere verbal assurances are insufficient.

“The Chief Minister is a lawyer and has good connections. He should prioritize this case to bring relief to those in border areas,” he stated.

He called for a reservation of at least 30 seats in medical colleges for students from the disputed border areas.

Addressing the situation in Gadchiroli, Patil underlined the challenges faced by Mendha (Lekha), the first village in India to obtain community forest rights.

With 25 proposed mines in the district, he claimed that local tribal voices are being stifled by branding protesters as Naxals. He questioned why mineral transport from the Surjagad mines is not conducted via railway, despite the nearby Samruddhi Highway.

Patil raised concerns about the Rs 25,000 crore budget allocated for the Kumbh Mela Authority, which exceeds the budget for the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh by Rs 5,000 crore.

He criticized the increase in CCTV installation costs, which escalated from Rs 10 crore to Rs 300 crore. Patil urged that contracts should be awarded to Maharashtra-based firms rather than outsiders.

He also highlighted the struggles of Nashik farmers, stating that while production costs are Rs 1,600, market rates have plummeted to Rs 600-Rs 700. He demanded a minimum price of Rs 2,000.

In solidarity with farmers in Sangli, Patil appealed to the government not to construct the Shaktipeeth highway on fertile agricultural land.

"We do not need 'Shakti' (power) at the expense of our farmers' livelihoods," he proclaimed.

Patil condemned the government for overlooking the 'Umed' (MSRLM) women activists currently protesting at Azad Maidan, despite their success in creating 'Lakhpati Didis' during his administration.

He expressed grave concern about the state of infrastructure, citing that over 1,164 schools lack separate toilets for girls and 3,328 schools are without electricity. Even with new mental health policies, student suicides are increasing. He called for a revival of a reading culture in schools to steer youth away from excessive mobile use.

Patil warned that the government appears more focused on fantastical aspirations than addressing fundamental issues.

He urged the administration to rectify the “troubled present” instead of merely portraying a rosy future.