Tue Apr 22 18:37:57 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Congress Accuses Government of Lavish Spending on Cabinet Meeting

**Mumbai, April 23, 2025** – A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra over an alleged typographical error in a government tender notice. The State Congress president, Harshvardhan Sapkal, is accusing the BJP-led Mahayuti government of planning to spend a whopping ₹150 crore on preparations for a Cabinet meeting in Chondi, Ahilyanagar district, on April 29th. This meeting coincides with the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of 18th-century queen Ahilyabai Holkar.

Mr. Sapkal, citing a newspaper advertisement, claims the funds are earmarked for infrastructure like mandaps, staging, air conditioning, sound systems, barricades, toilets, fire safety, and CCTV. He criticized the alleged extravagance, particularly in light of the government’s discontinuation of a senior citizen pilgrimage scheme, stalled farm loan waivers, and unmet promises regarding the Ladki Bahin Yojana. He also highlighted the alleged ₹1.5 crore spent on a helipad during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to NCP MP Sunil Tatkare’s residence.

The State government, however, insists the actual tender amount is only ₹1.5 crore, stating the inflated figure was a printing error. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed Mr. Sapkal’s accusations as “childish” and pointed to the correct release order issued by the Public Works Department. Mr. Sapkal retorted by urging the government to seek clarification from its own Public Relations Department, which he claims has acknowledged the error. The discrepancy has ignited a heated debate over government spending and priorities.

Read More