Will Financial Assistance from the Centre Aid Flood-Affected Farmers?
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Synopsis
In the wake of devastating floods in Maharashtra, the Congress party is calling for urgent financial aid from the Centre to support struggling farmers. With accusations against the state government for inaction, the situation remains dire. Will the Chief Minister heed the call for assistance before it's too late?
Key Takeaways
- Financial aid from the Centre is crucial for farmers' recovery.
- The Congress party demands a declaration of 'wet drought'.
- Farmers have suffered extensive losses due to flooding.
- Statewide protests are planned to advocate for farmers' rights.
- Immediate government action is necessary to address farmers' needs.
Buldhana (Maharashtra), Sep 26 (NationPress) The Congress party, on Friday, urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to secure a significant financial package from the Central government to assist in the recovery and rehabilitation of farmers impacted by severe rains and flooding in Marathwada and various regions across the state.
State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal, who toured the affected villages in Buldhana district, engaged with local farmers and criticized the BJP-led state government for being preoccupied with superficial announcements while farmers face dire circumstances.
Sapkal stated that both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers have only visited farms for photo opportunities without providing any substantial assistance.
He highlighted that farmers are enduring both natural and human-induced calamities, noting that relentless rainfall since May has devastated the entire Kharif season, and the torrential downpours in September have obliterated farmers' livelihoods.
"The Chief Minister, currently in Delhi, should urgently request substantial financial support from the Centre to aid farmers," he remarked.
Sapkal launched a fierce critique of the BJP-led state government, asserting that farmers have suffered immense losses.
"Consequently, Congress is demanding that the state government declare a 'wet drought', allocate Rs 50,000 per hectare, Rs 2 lakh per acre for land that has been washed away, offer free seeds and fertilizers for the Rabi season, and implement loan waivers. The relief measures proposed by the state government are so inadequate that even Rs 3,000 per hectare will not reach the farmers," he explained.
Sapkal added that the Congress party has previously mobilized to advocate for farmers' rights and will launch a significant statewide protest on October 3.
"Congress administrations have consistently supported farmers—so what is hindering this government now? Financial resources cannot be concealed. The statement made by Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is disgraceful. Why does he not hesitate to sign off on files or approve the Rs 88,000-crore Shaktipeeth highway project?" questioned the State Congress Chief.
In another development, former Minister and senior NCP-SP legislator Jayant Patil, who visited the flood-stricken villages in Beed and Dharashiv districts on Friday, insisted that the state government should act promptly to announce crop loan waivers to assist farmers severely affected by the relentless rains and floods.
He also urged the Centre, via the PM CARES Fund, to allocate Rs 20,000 crore to Maharashtra and for the state government to provide Rs 50,000 per acre.
"The farmers' lives have been shattered. Their standing crops have been totally inundated and destroyed. The expenses incurred by many farmers have been washed away. Not only the crops but also the fertile soil essential for agricultural fields has been swept away by floodwaters. Irrigation systems, including solar pumps, have been uprooted. Livestock, which served as a lifeline for farmers, have also succumbed to this crisis. The walls of homes and shops have collapsed. Even more distressing is that the panchnama assessment has yet to commence. Farmers, in a state of despair, are anxiously awaiting government assistance. We implore the government to respond to their urgent pleas," Patil stated.
Point of View
The situation in Maharashtra reflects a growing concern regarding the agricultural sector's vulnerability to climate change and inadequate government response. The Congress party's demands for substantial aid highlight a pressing need for effective disaster management and support for farmers. Ensuring that aid reaches those affected is vital for restoring livelihoods and maintaining agricultural productivity.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What assistance is Congress requesting for farmers?
Congress is calling for a substantial financial package from the Centre, including Rs 50,000 per hectare and loan waivers to support farmers affected by the floods.
Who is the State Congress President?
The State Congress President is Harshwardhan Sapkal, who has been vocal about the needs of the farmers in Buldhana district.
What is a 'wet drought'?
'Wet drought' refers to a situation where excessive rainfall causes crop damage, leading to losses similar to those experienced during a drought.
When is the statewide protest planned?
The Congress party is planning a massive statewide protest on October 3 to advocate for farmers' rights.
What has been the response from the BJP-led state government?
The BJP-led state government has been criticized for making hollow announcements without providing substantial relief to affected farmers.
