Opposition must co-operate in the budget session, says Chavan

Mumbai: Opposition must keep their political differences aside and co-operate during the budget session commencing on Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said on Sunday. "The debate on drought and other important issues will be held during the session. Therefore, they (opposition) should co-operate," Chavan told reporters.

"Due to consecutive droughts since two years, the state has been facing tremendous water scarcity. There is a serious drinking water shortage in Marathwada and Western Maharashtra. The next four months will be crucial," he said.

To help the state government during this crisis, the opposition should co-operate, he said. To take measures on drought, the Chief Minister's Relief Fund has been set up and generous people may contribute, he said.

He said that nine new bills would be tabled during the budget session, besides three pending bills and five ordinances.