Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday, 5 October held an hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, placing the state's severe drought crisis squarely before the Centre and seeking emergency relief for affected farmers. Prime Minister Modi assured Central assistance for the farming community reeling under the ongoing agrarian crisis.

What Was Discussed

According to Shinde, Prime Minister Modi sought detailed information on water availability, agricultural conditions, and fodder availability for livestock across the affected regions. The Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that substantial aid would be forthcoming, given the scale of distress on the ground.

Shinde pointed out that farmers currently receive ₹12,000 annually — comprising ₹6,000 under the Centre's Shetkari Samman Yojana and ₹6,000 under Maharashtra's Namo Shetkari Yojana. He recalled that the government had extended robust support during last year's heavy rains, signalling a similar response this time.

What Shinde Said on Farmer Support

'The farming community has the first right over the government treasury. When farmers are in distress, the government will not hold back assistance,' Shinde said. He drew a parallel with the relief mobilised during last year's flood damage to underscore the government's stated commitment to agrarian welfare.

Political Remarks and Opposition Criticism

The Deputy Chief Minister used the occasion to target the Opposition, accusing it of focusing on marches, protests, and allegations against Prime Minister Modi and the Union Home Minister rather than engaging with substantive public issues. He also took aim at the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction, saying those rejected by voters were now speaking of 'burying' others politically.

Shinde also criticised what he described as attempts to target the High Court and the Supreme Court, warning that those making such remarks should remember they themselves had not been elected by the people. 'Those living in glass houses should not throw stones at others' houses,' he said.

Pune Teachers' Constituency and Cabinet Expansion

On the Pune Teachers' Constituency by-election, Shinde said the Mahayuti coordination committee had discussed the candidature of Mangesh Chivate. The party has issued the AB Form and Chivate is set to file his nomination on Tuesday. Responding to questions about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announcing its own nominee for the same seat, Shinde said there was still time for filing and withdrawal of nominations and urged people to wait.

On Cabinet expansion, Shinde said Prime Minister Modi — as the principal leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — would take an appropriate decision at the appropriate time.

Reference to Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar

Shinde also referenced Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, saying Machchhar had identified Prime Minister Modi as a source of inspiration and had recited the Hanuman Chalisa during a crisis. He contrasted this with what he described as the Opposition's past actions against individuals who recited the Hanuman Chalisa.

The meeting signals that Maharashtra will formally pursue a Central drought relief package in the coming weeks, with the state government maintaining that no assistance will be withheld from distressed farmers.