Maharashtra drought: Cong slams govt for declaring drought in only 40 talukas

Mumbai, Nov 3: Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, has slammed the Eknath Shinde government for declaring drought in only 40 talukas of the state. He alleged that the selection of these talukas was based on the proximity of MLAs to the ruling dispensation, rather than the actual extent of drought.

Wadettiwar Accuses Government of Insensitivity Towards Farmers

Speaking to reporters, Wadettiwar said, "It appears that the government's sensitivity towards farmers is over. Drought must be declared on the lines of neighboring Karnataka, which is ruled by the Congress."

He further claimed that the number of talukas affected by drought is much more than the 40 that have been officially declared. "The selection of talukas was done on the basis of proximity of MLAs to the government," he alleged.

Government Declares Drought in 40 Talukas

Earlier this week, the state government had declared drought in 40 talukas, including in Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's Baramati constituency and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal's Yeola.

Wadettiwar Attacks Government Over Crop Insurance Scheme

Wadettiwar also attacked the government over the crop insurance scheme, alleging that insurance companies are benefiting from the arrangement.

"Premium paid by the Centre and the state is close to Rs 7,000 crore, while only Rs 1,300 crore has been disbursed to the farmers in the state," he pointed out.

Opposition Threatens to Disrupt Winter Session of Legislature

The opposition leader warned that the opposition will not allow the Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature to function smoothly till the issues of farmers are resolved.

"We will not allow the government to run away from its responsibilities towards farmers. The Winter Session will be stormy if the government does not take immediate steps to address the drought situation and provide relief to farmers," Wadettiwar said.