Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt on Monday initiated extensive preparations to tackle a potential drought situation and instructed the entire administrative machinery to remain on high alert. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule made an announcement to this effect, stating that the govt began planning measures in view of a possible drought-like scenario triggered by the anticipated El Niño impact.Speaking to media here, Bawankule said all guardian ministers were directed to take necessary steps at a recent cabinet meeting, following which CM Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation with district collectors across the state. A detailed meeting on drought preparedness will be held soon to assess various aspects and finalise the response strategy, he added.Turning to politics, Bawankule launched a sharp attack on the Congress over the issue of women’s reservation. “Congress has betrayed ‘Ladki Bahin’, and the public will respond to this attitude,” he said. He alleged that while PM Narendra Modi expanded opportunities for women in Parliament, the Congress worked to prevent women from Scheduled Castes, OBCs and other sections from advancing.On the issue of missing tribal girls in Yavatmal dist, Bawankule said the matter is being handled by the home dept and is under the direct attention of Fadnavis. Calling it a serious concern for Vidarbha, he said tribal development minister Ashok Uike is closely monitoring the situation.Referring to the Riyaz Qazi religious conversion case in Nagpur, he said police took strict action in what he described as a serious matter with potentially wide repercussions, adding that timely intervention helped contain the situation.On the Paratwada case, Bawankule urged caution, saying, “Until complete official information emerges, allegations and counter-allegations should be avoided.” He appealed to all sections of the society to ensure that such sensitive issues do not create communal tension or disturb the atmosphere in Amravati, while confirming that a thorough police investigation is underway.He also said that a decision on the sub-categorisation issue would be taken after discussions with representatives of the Matang community.
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