Hema Malini given promised land after 20 years by Maha govt, opposition still questions move

Mumbai: Opposition parties today slammed Maharashtra Government's decision to sanction a piece of land to actress and BJP lawmaker Hema Malini to set up a classical dance school. The Opposition questioned the alacrity of the move when mill workers and fire-hit slum-dwellers are still to get help.

NCP legislator Sachin Ahir said 'acche din' (good days) have arrived for Ms Malini even as 'bure din' (bad days) continue unabated for the common man.

"We do not have any problem with the government sanctioning the plot to her (Hema Malini). But we sincerely hope it shows the same speed to allot land for mill workers like they did for her," Mr Ahir said.

"The fire in Damu Nagar (in suburban) Kandivali on December claimed two lives and left 12 injured. Victims of the incident are still waiting for rehabilitation as promised by the Chief Minister. We hope after allotting the plot to Hemaji, the Government considers the woes of the poor," Mr Ahir added.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had ordered an inquiry into the fire incident. He had also announced compensation of Rs. 25,000 each to the fire victims and assured them of rehabilitation.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the decision shows the "real face" of the BJP-led government, which only has the time to look after "its own people".

"Hemaji has been sanctioned the plot because she is a BJP MP. There are other artists too who need land for promoting their work. This Government does not have the time to debate issues relating to the common man but have all the time for other issues," Mr Sawant said.

"This decision has shown the real face of the government, which cares about nothing but its own people. In the last few years, we never alloted any land for commercial purpose in Mumbai or suburban area as there is a housing problem. If this Government wanted, they could have given a piece of land to her outside Mumbai limits," he added.