Mumbai, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : The Shiv Sena-UBT, led by Uddhav Thackeray, has launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government regarding the plight of farmers amidst a severe drought. The party claims that farmers are crying out for help while the government indulges in luxury.
In an editorial published in the party’s mouthpiece, ‘Saamana’, it was stated that the Maharashtra government is living in opulence, while over half the population suffers under the shadow of drought. The editorial warns of impending fear, hunger, and thirst across the state.
Questions were raised about the government’s seriousness as the monsoon season approaches. The editorial highlighted that farmers in Marathwada, North Maharashtra, and Vidarbha are in distress. It questioned whether the current administration, led by Fadnavis and Shinde, is taking the drought crisis seriously.
The editorial referenced a recent meeting in Nanded, where Agriculture Minister Dattamama Bharne was seen discussing the drought while enjoying cashews and almonds at a government guesthouse. The piece criticized this behavior, stating, “While farmers are suffering due to drought, the government is feasting on dry fruits.”
The editorial also called out MP Bandu Jadhav for openly supporting this lavish spread during a drought, questioning how those who receive hefty payments can claim to be hungry during a crisis.
Additionally, it raised concerns about Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s response to the situation. The editorial noted that Fadnavis remarked that consuming such foods is inappropriate and urged the administration to be sensitive. However, the piece criticized him for shifting blame onto the administration rather than addressing the farmers’ plight directly.
The article emphasized the significant losses to crops, with soybean fields reportedly scorched. It painted a grim picture of farmers weeping by their fields, struggling with livestock feed shortages, drinking water, and educational needs for their children. The editorial questioned the credibility of Fadnavis’s assurances that discussions on the crisis would lead to immediate financial aid for farmers.
The Shiv Sena-UBT argues that the government should call a special assembly session to address the drought issue, set aside political agendas, and form a bipartisan task force for relief efforts. They echoed Sharad Pawar’s call to declare a drought in the state without waiting for formalities, demanding direct financial assistance for farmers, complete loan waivers, and educational fee exemptions for students.
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