Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal on Saturday, 19 September 2026, demanded that the Maharashtra government immediately declare a drought, credit ₹50,000 per hectare directly into farmers' bank accounts, and grant a blanket loan waiver. Sapkal warned that if these measures are not taken promptly, ministers will face public backlash and will not be permitted to move freely across the state.

Drought Conditions Across Maharashtra

Sapkal told reporters that a severe drought situation prevails across several parts of Maharashtra, with no rainfall recorded for over one and a half months, causing standing crops to wither completely. He alleged that the BJP-led Mahayuti government remains indifferent to the unfolding agrarian crisis. While discussions reportedly take place during cabinet meetings, no concrete decisions have been made, and guardian ministers have failed to visit the affected farming communities, he alleged.

Government Spending Under Scrutiny

Sapkal drew a sharp contrast between government spending priorities and the plight of farmers. He alleged that the state administration spent ₹350 crore on CCTV installations for the Kumbh Mela, yet hesitated to release funds for drought-hit farmers. He further pointed out that no decision was made to attempt cloud seeding despite the desperate need for rainfall. 'The government spends ₹350 crore on CCTV installations for the Kumbh Mela, yet hesitates to release funds for farmers,' Sapkal said. 'Despite the desperate need, no decision was made to attempt cloud seeding.'

Congress Urges Aid Before Dasara

The MPCC chief urged the government to act before the festive season and disburse relief before Dasara. He accused the ruling coalition of caring only about corruption and commissions rather than citizens' welfare, and claimed that public anger against the government is at an all-time high. This criticism comes amid a broader Congress push to highlight agrarian distress in Maharashtra, a state where farmer suicides and rural indebtedness have remained persistent concerns for over a decade.

Attack on PM Modi Birthday Celebrations

Sapkal sharply criticised the call to light lamps on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, questioning the administration's performance over the past 12 years. He pointed out that youth remain unemployed, women's safety is compromised, farmers face ruin, the economy has deteriorated, and inflation continues to surge. 'Celebrating birthdays while citizens are suffering in crisis is uncalled for,' he said. He also highlighted what he called a contradiction — that PM Modi previously urged the public to practise austerity, including reducing oil consumption, limiting foreign travel, and avoiding gold purchases, while now asking people to light oil lamps for his birthday. Sapkal termed this 'an act of self-glorification.'

Congress Targets Election Commission

The MPCC president further accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of functioning as a tool for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He asserted that implementing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls threatens democracy by attempting to strip citizens of their right to vote. Sapkal said the Commission's functioning is leading toward lawlessness, and vowed that the Congress party will firmly oppose these moves and continue to fight on the streets to protect democratic rights across the country.