NCP launches Hallabol 4 in Kolhapur

The NCP today launched the fourth phase of its "hallabol" (attack) yatra in western Maharashtra which is aimed at "exposing" the BJP-led NDA government's "failures" on various fronts.

Speaking on the occasion, former deputy chief minister and senior leader Ajit Pawar appealed to the party workers not to be complacent and directed them to start preparations for the 2019 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

He said the people are fed up with the government for its "failure" on all fronts.

"Each day is important for us. You shouldn't be complacent. We need to start work for elections now," said Pawar.

He said the law and order situation in Maharashtra has worsened under the BJP rule.

He referred to a missing woman police officer, who is believed to have been killed by her colleague in Mumbai, killing of a corporator in Pandharpur town, and "rising" incidents of burning of cars in Pune by unidentified miscreants.

"Unemployment is growing, milk and sugar cooperative industries are in trouble," the NCP leader said, adding that attempts are being made to create a social and religious divide in the society.

NCP state unit president Sunil Tatkare said the loan waiver scheme launched by the state government last year had failed as needy farmers are left out.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde (NCP) said he had submitted a "proof" of a "Rs 2500 crore tur dal scam" against Cooperation Minister Subhash Deshmukh in the Upper House.

"I would present the evidence before people," he said.

The NCP had launched the first phase of the hallabol protest in Yeotmal in Vidarbha in December last.

During the subsequent phases, the agitation covered Marathwada and north Maharashtra regions.