PM assured help for Maharashtra’s rain-hit farmers: Fadnavis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that he will “stand firmly behind the rain-hit farmers of Maharashtra”, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday after holding an hour-long meeting with the former in Delhi.

Mr. Fadnavis said he briefed the Prime Minister on the damage caused by the heavy rains in various districts, particularly in the Marathwada region.

During the meeting, the CM submitted a letter seeking “substantial aid” from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Mr. Modi assured full support from the Centre, he said.

The State government on Thursday had submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit to Mumbai, seeking “substantial financial aid” for the State from the NDRF.

PM to visit State

The Chief Minister said Mr. Modi is scheduled to visit Maharashtra on October 8 and 9 for a fintech event. He said the State government has sent a proposal to the Centre to name the Navi Mumbai international airport after D.B. Patil, the late Peasants and Workers Party of India leader and parliamentarian.

Meanwhile, the State Congress leadership has proposed to its central leadership that party leader Rahul Gandhi visit rain-affected areas in the State, particularly the Marathwada region. “The situation is particularly bad in Marathwada. Nobody has seen this kind of damage here in years. No crop has been spared,” a top State party leader told The Hindu. However, there is no confirmation yet about whether the visit will take place.

Cong. State-wide stir

The Opposition party has also decided to launch a State-wide agitation on October 3 to highlight the plight of farmers. “Farmers are caught in both natural and man-made crises. Continuous rainfall since May has ruined the entire kharif crops. Excessive rains in September have completely devastated farmers. While farmers are in deep crisis, the BJP-led government is busy making hollow announcements. The CM and the Deputy CM merely visited farms for photo-ops but did not announce any real assistance,” said State party chief Harshawardhan Sapkal after visiting affected villages in Buldhana.

“Now, the CM has gone to Delhi. Instead of seeking help for flood victims, he chose to discuss the Surjagad iron mine; this is outrageous. He must return with a substantial package from the Centre for farmers. Else, he should remain in Delhi itself,” he added.

The party’s Maha Vikas Aghadi ally and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar said visits by Ministers to flood-affected areas should be stopped immediately as the State machinery gets occupied with meeting protocols instead of engaging in relief measures.

“Maharashtra’s farmers have suffered massive losses. This disaster has not only damaged crops but also led to significant livestock deaths. The scale of this unprecedented crisis is immense. Heavy rainfall has not only affected the farming community but also small and large businesses, artisans, and agricultural workers in villages. There is the threat of disease outbreaks and it is essential to promptly provide healthcare facilities to curb them. The education of students has also been adversely affected and immediate attention is required to address this issue,” Mr. Pawar posted on his official X handle.

Exams postponed

The Maharashtra State Public Service Commission has postponed exams scheduled to be conducted by it between September 28 and November 9 after candidates raised the demand citing difficulties posed by the heavy rains.