It is the government's duty to visit farmers devastated by heavy rains and support them in their time of need. However, publicizing such visits is not the culture of Maharashtra. Therefore, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray has urged the government and administration to avoid publicity and instead announce assistance of at least INR 30,000 to INR 40,000 per acre for affected farmers.
Thackeray has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding that the state declare a wet drought, as heavy rains have wreaked havoc across Maharashtra. In many areas, farmland has been completely washed away, severely impacting the rural economy.
To support farmers in crisis, Thackeray emphasised that the government must declare a wet drought without imposing eligibility criteria. He criticised the current compensation of INR 7,000 to INR 8,000 per acre as inadequate and reiterated the need for at least INR 30,000 to INR 40,000 per acre in aid.
While acknowledging the state’s fragile financial condition due to past mismanagement, Thackeray insisted the government cannot afford to be complacent. He cited the central government’s aid to Bihar and argued that Maharashtra deserves similar support. He further stated that all political parties in the state should unite and approach Delhi, not for personal or political gain, but for the welfare of the state.
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Thackeray also raised concerns about the likely increase in post-disaster diseases, urging the health department to stay alert and ensure there is no shortage of medicines in hospitals and health centers. Additionally, he demanded that banks refrain from pressuring farmers to repay loans, warning that if banks harass farmers, MNS workers will respond strongly.