Jalna (Maha), Oct 8: Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today lashed out at Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray over the latter's statement to resort to violence if Mumbai were to be severed from Maharashtra.
“Can they ( Shiv Sena and Bal Thackeray) dare (to) pick up pistol”? The state government does not discriminate on the basis of caste and religion like others,” Pawar said.
The remarks came in the background of Shiv Sena patriarch's comments at the party's annual Dussehra rally held at Shivaji Park here on Thursday.
“There was an attempt to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. I won't allow anyone to split Mumbai from Maharashtra. If needed, I will fire bullets from the pistol at anyone who attempts to do so,” Thackeray had said.
Pawar was speaking here at the inaugural function of 18 MW power project and the 28th crushing season of Samarth Sugar Factory at Ankush Nagar, Ambad in the district.
In order to keep a tab on the practice of inflating actual number of students by some school managements, the deputy chief minister said “the government would take action against such schools.
He also hinted that the state is also considering to conduct an inspection drive in the colleges to verify the actual strength of students.
Observing that sugarcane industry is growing in the state, Pawar, however, expressed concerns over the condition of the industry in Marathwada region. Appealing farmers to settle their outstanding electricity bills, Pawar said acute shortage of coal is affecting power generation in the state.
The minister of Higher and Technical Education, Rajesh Tope said on the occasion that the youths should opt for technical and professional courses instead of scurrying for government jobs. PTI
