India, Sept. 22 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday urged the Maharashtra government to cut what he termed "needless expenditure" on the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik and divert the funds towards drought relief.

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

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that drought-relief measures had already been initiated. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is expected to visit areas affected by the dry spell later this month.

Raut alleged that there was a lack of coordination among...