Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday urged the Maharashtra government to reduce what he described as “needless expenditure” on infrastructure for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik and divert the funds towards drought relief.

According to a PTI report, Raut said several parts of Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada and Vidarbha, are facing drought-like conditions due to a weak monsoon. The Opposition has been demanding an immediate declaration of drought and relief measures for affected farmers.