NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Monday targeted the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He launched a scathing attack on the government for failing to distribute direct financial assistance to drought-hit farmers and agricultural laborers despite drought being declared in many areas.
He warned that if concrete relief measures and financial allocation were not officially approved by October 12, party workers would block the Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway along with affected farmers and labourers.
Setting a definite deadline, Pawar said that if the Maharashtra Cabinet fails to release a financial package in its upcoming weekly meetings, a major highway agitation will be launched.
He warned that if relief is not provided before October 12, farmers and agricultural laborers will completely block traffic on Samruddhi Mahamarg between October 12 and 15.
According to his estimate, the cumulative loss to crops across the state has been more than Rs 35,900 crore, with losses in Vidarbha alone amounting to more than Rs 22,400 crore.
Pawar strongly criticized the official list of drought-hit talukas released by the state. Citing data from the central government portal, he accused the state government of underreporting the number of affected areas.
He pointed out anomalies where areas with higher rainfall were included in the lists, while blocks with lower rainfall, including Nashik, parts of Jamkhed and his own Karjat-Jamkhed constituency (where 60 per cent rainfall deficiency was recorded), were left out.
Urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to avoid lengthy administrative delays and complex eligibility conditions, Pawar pitched for immediate and comprehensive financial assistance.
He demanded fiscal discipline on long-term development expenditure, including the Vikas Bharat-Employment and Livelihood Mission before Diwali, full disbursement of rural (VB-G Ram Ji) wages and guarantee for soil erosion damage, immediate financial assistance per hectare for affected farmers and direct monetary grants for landless agricultural laborers and prioritizing emergency agricultural relief.