UBT Sena to Block Samruddhi Mahamarg: 1,500 Cops Deployed for Washim Agitation
Shiv Sena (UBT) plans a road blockade on Samruddhi Mahamarg in Washim to support drought-hit farmers. 1,500 police personnel deployed.
The political temperature in Maharashtra is rising as the Shiv Sena (UBT) prepares for a massive UBT Sena rasta roko agitation in Washim. The party workers intend to block the high-profile Samruddhi Mahamarg to champion the cause of drought-affected farmers, leading to a heavy security crackdown in the region.
Heavy Security Deployment in Washim
To prevent any law and order disruptions during the planned road blockade, the administration has deployed a formidable force. Over 1,500 police personnel and 150 police officers have been stationed across the area to maintain security.
Additional Superintendent of Police Lata Phad confirmed that the security arrangements are being executed according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This mobilization follows a formal request made by MLA Nitin Deshmukh, a prominent leader of the UBT faction, who is expected to be present at the agitation.
The police have also taken preemptive legal steps, issuing notices to approximately 400 individuals, including various activists and party office-bearers, regarding the planned protest. ASP Phad assured that the forces are fully prepared to handle the situation regardless of the number of protesters who arrive.
The Farmer Crisis and Government Response
The agitation comes at a time of severe distress for the farming community in Maharashtra. Interestingly, the UBT Sena's move follows a Farmers’ Sabha march that was called off just two days prior after discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In an attempt to mitigate the crisis, the state government has announced several immediate relief measures:
- Direct Cash Transfer: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the disbursement of Rs 5,000 as advance drought relief to 1.5 crore farmers this week.
- Massive Funding: A total provision of Rs 7,500 crore has been made for these payments.
- No Deductions: The CM has strictly instructed officials to ensure that banks do not deduct any amount from these relief payments, ensuring farmers receive the full sum.
Additional Support and Loan Protection
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has further emphasized that the government will provide all benefits associated with the official declaration of drought, over and above the immediate financial aid of Rs 5,000.
Addressing the predatory nature of some lending institutions, CM Fadnavis revealed that the state government has engaged with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The objective is to stop microfinance companies from employing forcible recovery tactics against struggling farmers.
"For loan recovery also, we have talked to the RBI that forcible recovery from farmers by microfinance companies should be stopped," stated CM Fadnavis after a state cabinet meeting.