Maharashtra LoP Criticizes CM’s Cash Reward For Team India

Maharashtra Assembly’s Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar voiced concerns on Saturday regarding Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s announcement of a significant cash reward for the Indian cricket team. Wadettiwar suggested that the prize money could have been more appropriately directed towards assisting distressed farmers.

“In the last four months, 1,068 farmers have committed suicide. It would have been good had they given money to the distressed farmers. They gave such a huge sum to the Indian Cricket Team, what was the need?. Team India played for the country and not themselves, this is why the streets were flooded to welcome them,” ANI quoted Wadettiwar.

Wadettiwar additionally remarked that Maharashtra, currently burdened with a debt of Rs 7.92 lakh crore, faces uncertain prospects for its youth, and he expressed concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

“The future of youth is in danger, the farmers are in distress, and they are giving away huge sums of money. Maharashtra is already under a debt of Rs 7.92 lakh crore, and they are going to spend another Rs 1 lakh crore for the Ladli Bahan Yojana. The law and order of the state have gone out of control. The youth have been put at risk because of drugs. They are busy bringing in money and forming governments,” added Wadettiwar.

CM Shinde announced a significant cash reward of Rs 11 crore for the triumphant Indian cricket team following their T20 World Cup victory. The announcement took place during a ceremony at the central hall of the Vidhan Bhavan, where four Mumbai players from the team were also recognized. India ended a 13-year drought in ICC World Cup trophies by defeating South Africa in the final, securing victory by seven runs. Virat Kohli’s 76 runs contributed to India’s total of 176/7, while Hardik Pandya (3/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18) played crucial roles in limiting South Africa to 169/8, despite Heinrich Klaasen’s quickfire 52 off 27 balls. Bumrah, with 15 wickets and an impressive economy rate of 4.17 throughout the tournament, received the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.