Drought declared in 75% of Maharashtra, Opposition slams Fadnavis government for withholding instant cash relief

The Maharashtra Opposition has criticized the Devendra Fadnavis government for declaring drought in 75% of the state's talukas without providing immediate financial relief to affected farmers. NCP senior leader Mahesh Tapase demanded clarification on when and how much interim and actual crop-loss compensation would reach the drought-hit farmers.

He pointed out that while the government offered measures like land revenue exemption, loan restructuring, and concessions in electricity bills, it did not provide direct monetary compensation for crop losses, which was deferred to a subsequent government resolution. The opposition leader emphasized that farmers, whose crops had already failed, could not rely on promises of future compensation.

Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray also criticized the government, stating that the drought declaration should have been made earlier and demanded that the relief package reach the farmers' bank accounts. He expressed disappointment that farmers had not yet received compensation despite the Super El Niño crisis and heavy rains from the previous year, and criticized the government for arguing about past actions rather than ensuring the timely distribution of aid.