Nanded, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : A significant controversy has emerged in Maharashtra politics following the circulation of a video that went viral on social media. The footage shows ministers, leaders, and senior officials enjoying cashews and almonds during an official meeting in Nanded, which was convened to review the drought situation.
The meeting took place at the District Planning Building, where officials gathered to assess the severe agricultural crisis and crop losses in the Marathwada region. The video prompted public anger regarding the administration’s insensitivity towards farmers suffering from drought.
Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that providing dry fruits at official meetings is a common administrative practice. However, he emphasized the need for greater sensitivity during crises. “No one intentionally mocks the drought situation by doing this. Nevertheless, the administration should operate with more awareness of ground realities and avoid such arrangements in these circumstances,” he stated.
Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat was absent from the meeting due to prior commitments. He pointed out that the arrangements were made by the officials, stating, “I could not attend because of prior engagements. The Agriculture Minister, Dutta Bharne, was present and managing the responsibilities with the officials. The arrangement of dry fruits is made by the officials, but public criticism falls on elected representatives. I will instruct the divisional commissioner to take strict action regarding this matter.”
Rohit Pawar, a legislator from the Nationalist Congress Party, sharply criticized the government, accusing it of not taking the severe drought situation seriously. He remarked that while the drought crisis is dire across the state, the government seems preoccupied with eating dry fruits. Pawar called for an immediate special session of the Assembly to discuss the drought and provide substantial relief to farmers.
In light of the drought, crop losses, and the potential for future water shortages, Chief Minister Fadnavis outlined several emergency relief measures being implemented by the state government. He mentioned that cabinet ministers have been tasked with reviewing the ground situation in their respective districts. Initial assessments of damages are expected to be completed within a week to expedite the process of providing financial assistance. The loan waiver process is also progressing swiftly, with three beneficiary lists already released and others being prioritized.
Fadnavis also discussed a fodder development program initiated in response to the El Niño threat, which aims to provide feed and drinking water for livestock in the most affected areas. Additionally, he noted that the state government is supplying extra electricity in the evenings to help farmers save standing crops. In regions with single-phase electricity where wells still have water, farmers are also receiving additional electricity.
He assured that the water in major reservoirs is being preserved for drinking purposes to prevent future shortages, particularly focusing on areas reliant on small, rapidly depleting dams.
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