Pune: In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has committed to ending the perennial drought in the rural areas of Baramati.

He announced the ambitious Karha-Nira river linking project, which aims to ensure a permanent water supply for the drought-hit regions. The announcement was made during the launch of the 'One Family, One Tree' initiative by the Nationalist Congress Party.

A Lifeline for Farmers

Addressing the gathering, Pawar highlighted the significant rainfall received in the Nira-Bhima basin annually, which often goes to waste.

The new project will redirect this excess water from the Nira river to the Karha river, filling local reservoirs and providing much-needed relief to farmers. Pawar assured that efforts to initiate this project would commence soon, describing it as a lifeline for the agricultural community.

Responding to Critics

In response to criticisms from opponents labeling Mahayuti's plans as mere 'election gimmicks', Pawar emphasized that their campaign would focus on development issues without resorting to personal attacks. "We have concrete development plans to discuss, and that will be our focus," he stated.

Long-term Vision

Pawar also discussed the Ladki Bahin scheme, designed to benefit 25 million women, requiring an investment of 46,000 crores. He stressed the importance of continuity in governance to keep such initiatives alive, encouraging voters to support Mahayuti candidates.

However, he reiterated the democratic right of voters to choose their preferred candidates.