Mumbai, Sep 30 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Tuesday that this year’s traditional Dussehra rally will take place in Mumbai. However, he emphasized that due to the ongoing flood crisis in Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra, members from those regions are encouraged to stay back and assist farmers instead of attending the rally.

Shinde remarked that a significant crisis is affecting the farmers of the state, and it is the government's duty to alleviate their suffering.

He informed the media that Shiv Sainiks from areas such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have been invited to the Dussehra event, which this year will occur at the NESCO ground in Goregaon, as Azad Maidan is currently inundated with rainwater and mud.

Shinde urged party members from flood-impacted areas to focus on supporting farmers rather than attending the event.

"We do not seek to demonstrate our strength; the people have already shown their support. Our strength will now be directed towards assisting farmers," he said.

He noted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and he himself have surveyed the flood-stricken areas and grasped the hardships faced by farmers. The assessment report will be finalized in the next few days, and subsequent actions regarding aid will be taken. Immediate help is essential, even if it means bypassing standard procedures for assistance," Shinde remarked.

He added that the cabinet had collectively decided that prior governments had also made exceptions in the distribution of aid.

Shinde pointed out that the floods have eroded land, devastated livestock, resulted in loss of life, and left homes submerged in certain areas.

During this challenging period, Shiv Sena is providing kits containing 26 essential items to affected farmers, emphasizing their commitment to reach out to every needy farmer.

He also appealed to the opposition to refrain from politicizing the situation and clarified that discussions have been held with Health Minister Prakash Abitkar to prevent the outbreak of epidemic diseases in flood-affected regions.

"Just as Shiv Sainiks conducted extensive relief efforts in Kolhapur and Chiplun this year, we will strive to restore the lives of flood victims through cleanliness initiatives and health camps," he added.

"Our principle is that wherever there is a disaster, Shiv Sena will be present. We are engaging in 80% social work and only 20% politics, adhering to the philosophies of Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe," Shinde concluded.