Not spending money on Maharashtra MLAs: Assam CM

More than 40 MLAs led by dissident Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde have been camping at a five-star hotel in Guwahati since Wednesday 

GUWAHATI

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday refuted the claim that the State government was paying for the food and accommodation of dissident Maharashtra MLAs camping at a five-star hotel in Guwahati since June 22.

At least 40 MLAs at the hotel are led by Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde.

“Why should the Assam government settle their hotel bills? Assam is not spending anything on them. File an RTI, you will know it,” Mr. Sarma said.

“I don’t think the Maharashtra MLAs are facing such a difficulty that we have to take care of their hotel expenses,” he added.

Mr. Sarma said he was not following the Maharashtra politics and cited an Assamese proverb to prove his point. The proverb literally means: “It is useless for a ginger trader to keep track of ships.”

He also justified the frequent visits by some Assam BJP leaders to the hotel. “Our leaders go to other hotels too. I will also go there if I feel like having a cup of tea,” he said.