Pune: Farmers Mark 'Kali Diwali' With Chutney-Bhakri Protest Over Drought Relief

Pune witnessed a Kali Diwali protest by farmers from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi on Sunday. The event took place at the Pune District Collector's office, where party workers and farmers prepared and consumed chutney-bhakri. The protest was held to express dissatisfaction with the state government's response to the ongoing drought crisis.

Farmers alleged that the promised financial aid of ₹5,000 to drought-affected farmers was insufficient and had not reached all eligible recipients. The government had declared drought in 265 talukas across Maharashtra, yet financial assistance had not been distributed effectively. Advocate Arvind Tayade of the VBA's Pune unit claimed that national president Prakash Ambedkar had previously warned the government about the impending water crisis and suggested reserving dam water for drinking purposes.

However, the government allegedly ignored these warnings and failed to plan for a potential drinking water crisis. Tayade also criticized the government's tree plantation drive, questioning the visible results and environmental impact of the Torrent project. Farmers participating in the protest emphasized the need for adequate water supply to their fields and questioned the sufficiency of the ₹5,000 financial aid in compensating for their agricultural losses.

The protest organizers warned that the agitation would intensify if the government did not address their demands, with plans to stage a larger protest during the upcoming legislative session and march towards the Vidhan Bhavan and Chief Minister's residence.