Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has defended visiting flood-hit areas in Maharashtra, saying it spurs authorities into action, hours after NCP chief Sharad Pawar observed that visits by VIPs to such spots should be avoided as they affect rescue and relief operations.

Fadnavis also said he will visit more such areas in the coming days. In view of multiple landslides triggered by heavy rains in the last few days and floods affecting parts of Maharashtra, Pawar had told reporters that except the chief minister, deputy chief minister and guardian ministers, others who are not directly linked to the relief operations should avoid visiting these areas.