Mumbai, Dec 5 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) has recently criticized the BJP-led government in Maharashtra and the Central government for their slow response and empty promises regarding compensation for farmers affected by rain. This situation emphasizes the disconnect between political promises and the actual support provided to affected farmers. “The hypocrisy of those in power concerning farmers' welfare is glaringly evident. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's statements in Parliament have further exposed this government's duplicity. While helicopters were dispatched for Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections, the question arises: where did those helicopters go when it came to compensating farmers for their crop losses?” questioned the Thackeray faction in an editorial published in the party’s official publication, 'Saamana'.

The editorial pointed out that the government had promised to “light up Diwali” for rain-affected farmers, yet as the Rabi season has commenced, it is unable to provide adequate assistance independently or send timely proposals for additional help from the Centre. This situation highlights the disparity between the Chief Minister's grand statements and the actual measures taken for farmers' welfare.

Previously, the Union Agriculture Minister claimed that no formal proposal requesting aid had been submitted by the state government. Following intense discussions in the state assembly, the minister quickly clarified that a report had indeed been sent to the Central government on November 27, attempting to rectify the state government's previous negligence. The state Agriculture Minister also belatedly revealed that a proposal for financial assistance was submitted to the Centre on November 27, which only serves to underscore the government's lack of urgency. “The authorities are quick in their actions, yet when it comes to delivering financial aid to farmers, only their empty promises seem to be swift,” the editorial sarcastically noted.

In early October, the state Chief Minister announced a special package of ₹31,628 crore for farmers affected by the rains, along with a commitment that the Central government would send a formal proposal for further assistance. However, it took until November 27 to send this proposal, resulting in a two-month delay. “When will discussions on this proposal take place at the Centre? When will a decision be reached? When will the Central government provide aid, and when will that money reach the farmers?” questioned the Thackeray faction.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena reported that the excessive rainfall devastated crops across approximately 70 lakh acres in the state, affecting over 70 lakh farmers. “The situation for those whose entire farmland was washed away is truly alarming. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had promised that these flood-affected farmers would not face despair during Diwali,” the editorial stated.

“Although the special package of ₹31,628 crore was announced to assist loss-affected farmers before Diwali, their festivities remained overshadowed by darkness. While some financial aid has been distributed in five districts, the state government has yet to fulfill its promises to farmers in many other areas,” the Thackeray faction asserted.