Amid raging war over water in parched Latur in Marathwada region of Maharashtra,Congress MLA Amit Deshmukh has alleged that the District Collector had invoked section 144 without thinking of the repercussions to show off that he was doing some work.
The Maharashtra government has now lifted section 144 of CrPC (unlawful assembly of five or more persons at a place) in Latur, saying people are co-operating and the fights over water have stopped.
Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, MLA Amit Deshmukh said that the decision of District Collector Pandurang Pole on invoking Sec 144, was without thinking of the repercussions in such sensitive times.
"He just wanted to show off that he is doing something. After I raised the issue, Sec 144 was discontinued on March 31. People are used to water shortage situation; they always cooperate with government. We should trust them and not target them," Deshmukh told the tabloid.
On the accusation that he was celebrating his birthday abroad when Latur was reeling under the water crisis, Deshmukh said, "First of all, I did not celebrate my birthday. Yes, i was travelling with my family. That is my private life. In fact, on the same day through the Vilasrao Deshmukh Foundation we provided 65 tankers to distribute 12 lakh litres of water to the city."
Deshmukh also said that it was not in his purview to shut down his family-run sugar factories. "We have 10,000 members. It is their call," the 40-year-old Congress legislator said.
Meanwhile, the second special train carrying around five lakh litres of water reached Latur on Wednesday night. The first such train reached Latur on Tuesday. Another train consisting of 50 wagons is expected to be ready for water loading around April 15.
