“Majority of the total number of government posts advertised are given to BJP workers. If one BJP worker is denied a job, there are at least other 10 BJP workers appointed,” he said, while addressing a closed-door meeting of about 200 workers at Gomantak Maratha Samaj on Friday.
The chief minister was responding to complaints by several attendees that they are denied government jobs despite their loyalty to the party for many years. He went on to say that not all government jobs can be given to BJP workers as there are other eligible candidates for the respective posts. “We cannot illegally appoint people for the posts. For example, if a candidate fails in the written exam, how can he/she be taken to another level? It is not legal and it can be challenged in court. Such appointments will ensure the collapse of the whole administration,” he explained.
The meeting presided over by Art and Culture Minister Dayanand Narvekar, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and other office bearers, was called to take forward the ‘Swachh Bharat, Nital Goem’ campaign and get feedback on the two-and-half-year-old governance.
The workers also expressed their dissatisfaction that Parrikar was not available to them. “I get a number of calls and messages every day. If I respond to all, then there won’t be time to function which is why I put off my phone many a time. If you (workers) come through proper appointment, I will definitely meet you. But we will also work out a mechanism to give you hassle-free access…my office works 12 hours per day,” he said.
‘Mining ban has not affected finances’
Despite losing Rs 1,500 crore every year as a result of closure of mining activity in the State, CM Parrikar said the government has not just managed to spend Rs 1,200 crore on the development works last year, it is also successfully implementing various financial schemes.
‘All set for Maharashtra polls’
CM Parrikar along with other State party leaders will soon leave for Maharashtra to campaign for the party in the upcoming State assembly polls. The campaign scheme will be chalked out shortly. The BJP in Maharashtra recently snapped its 25-year-old alliance with Shiv Sena after they failed to reconcile seat sharing ahead of the polls next month.
