Shinde Meets PM Modi to Discuss Maharashtra Drought Crisis
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde apprises PM Modi of Maharashtra's drought situation and requests central assistance for distressed farmers.
In a high-level meeting held in New Delhi on Monday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide a detailed briefing on the escalating drought situation across the state. The discussion centered on the urgent need for central intervention to support the state's struggling agricultural sector.
Focus on Water, Crops, and Livestock
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi sought comprehensive information regarding several critical aspects of the crisis. The Prime Minister specifically requested updates on:
- Current water availability levels in drought-hit regions.
- The prevailing conditions of agricultural crops.
- The availability of fodder required to sustain livestock.
In response to the state's concerns, the Prime Minister assured the Maharashtra government of full support from the Centre. Deputy CM Shinde formally presented the state government's demands for central assistance to mitigate the impact of the dry spell.
Assistance for the Farming Community
Highlighting the current financial support structure, Shinde noted that farmers are presently receiving an annual total of Rs 12,000. This amount is split equally between two schemes: Rs 6,000 under the Centre’s Shetkari Samman Yojana and Rs 6,000 through the state’s Namo Shetkari Yojana.
The Deputy CM emphasized the government's commitment to its rural population, stating that the farming community holds the primary right over the government treasury. "When farmers are in distress, the government will not hold back assistance," Shinde remarked, drawing parallels to the support provided during last year's heavy rainfall period.
Political Sparring and Cabinet Updates
Beyond the drought crisis, the meeting served as a backdrop for Shinde to launch several political critiques. He took aim at the Opposition, accusing them of prioritizing protests and marches over substantive issues facing the public. He specifically criticized their focus on making allegations against the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.
Shinde also addressed several key political developments:
- Cabinet Expansion: Regarding the much-anticipated expansion of the state cabinet, Shinde stated that the NDA leadership would make the final decision at an appropriate time.
- Pune Teachers’ Constituency: He confirmed that the Mahayuti coordination committee has discussed Mangesh Chivte’s candidature. The party has issued the AB Form, and Chivte is expected to file his nomination tomorrow.
- Criticism of Shiv Sena (UBT): Shinde lashed out at the Shiv Sena (UBT), suggesting that those rejected by voters in previous elections were now attempting to "bury" their political rivals.
Concluding his remarks, Shinde used a metaphor to dismiss the allegations leveled by opposition parties, stating, "Those living in glass houses should not throw stones at others’ houses."