Mahayuti used its stint in power in Maharashtra to push corporate cronies' interests: Congress
New Delhi(PTI): The Congress on Sunday accused the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra of using its stint in power to push corporate cronies' interests ahead of the well-being of the state's people and forests.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that in November 2023, a major advisor to Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) was appointed to an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Centre that approves proposals for hydroelectricity projects, like those made by AGEL.
Soon after, in December 2023, the residents of more than 100 villages in Kolhapur rose up in protest against AGEL's Rs 7,000-crore Patgaon Pumped Storage Project, he said.
Since Kolhapur has been struggling with low rainfall and limited availability of water and no public meetings were held before the project was granted permission, locals are concerned about the impact it would have on the worsening water situation, Ramesh said on X.
"Worryingly, this is just one of three Adani projects that have received approval in ecologically sensitive areas of the Western ghats," he said.
According to experts, environment ministry officials have "selectively interpreted the law" to allow these "red category" projects in sensitive areas, the Congress leader said.
Adani's own environmental evaluations had warned of significant damage to forests during construction but the projects were approved anyway, Ramesh claimed.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mahayuti's brazen manipulation of the legal process clearly has severe repercussions for local communities and the local environment, he said.
"It is telling that the Mahayuti has used its stint in power to push corporate cronies' interests ahead of the wellbeing of Maharashtra's people and forests," Ramesh alleged.
The ruling Mahayuti alliance comprises Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprises the Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).
The remarks of the Congress leader came ahead of the polling for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly on November 20.
The votes will be counted on November 23, a day before the current Maharashtra Assembly completes its term.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
