Bharmu Patil, arrived in Kolhapur to a warm welcome, as thousands of his supporters from Gadhinglaj-Ajra-Chandgad, the three hilly and remote talukas of the district, had crowded the station. The remote Chandgad-Ajra assembly constituency has earned its first ever minister.

Addressing a press conference at Circuit House here, Patil said he will step up efforts to solve various issues. ``Expansion of KMC limits, supply of drinking water will be the priority. Though the issue of expansion does not concern my portfolio, I will initiate a dialogue from time to time,'' he said.

On drinking water, he said, he would demand adequate financial allocation to solve the issue in the forthcoming budget of the state. He said funds to the tune of Rs 400-500 crores were available for EGS. ``Optimum use of available resources will be my policy. The scheme should reach almost every village. EGS projects should be started in every such village, which can generate a workforce of 50 labourers. It will create employment opportunities and at the same time will contribute for the development of the village," he felt.

The issue of rehabilitation of project affected families is also apparent, said Patil. He would press the government to amend the present legislation pertaining to rehabilitation policies.

Earlier, Patil visited the Mahalakshmi temple. Kolhapur Mayor Kanchan Kavale welcomed Patil at the station. A number of eminent personalities including met Patil at the circuit house.