Chavan regrets announcing Vidarbha flood relief outside House

Mumbai: Facing opposition flak, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday expressed "regrets" for hurting sentiments of legislators over the manner in which he announced relief to flood-affected people in Vidarbha during his visit.

Leader of the Opposition Eknath Khadse said the Chief Minister has insulted the House and its members by not informing them first about the quantum of financial assistance to the affected people during his recent visit. "Chavan did not inform the House, which is in session, first but chose to announce it to media," Khadse said, adding that the Chief Minister`s action is tantamount to breach of privilege. Chavan told the House that it was not his intention to insult legislators. "I told journalists that an existing government resolution already provides for 3 lakh rupees to the victim. I merely announced that an additional one lakh rupees would be given to victims from the CM`s relief fund," Chavan said. "If this has insulted the House, I express my regrets," he said. Khadse said he was satisfied with the Chavan`s reply. PTI