Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra state government, criticising its handling of the devastating flood situation in the Marathwada region and labelling the issue a “matter of concern.” He also announced that the Shiv Sena (UBT) would organise a 'Marathwada Morcha' (rally), to be personally led by party chief Uddhav Thackeray, to protest the government’s perceived inaction.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Raut contended that the government appeared to be more preoccupied with welcoming the visiting British Prime Minister than with addressing the severe distress faced by flood-hit areas.
“The flood situation in Marathwada is still a matter of concern, but the government is not serious. The government was busy welcoming the British Prime Minister. It was expected that [Prime Minister] Modi would come and make some announcements for the flood victims in Marathwada, but to prevent this burden from falling on Modi, Devendra Fadnavis has announced a package that will blow away the dust,” Raut asserted, dismissing the announced relief.
Raut demanded that the government provide compensation of ₹50,000 per hectare to affected farmers, stressing that the damage to farmland is so severe that “the next two generations cannot use the land for farming.”
Announcing the protest, Raut stated, “Shiv Sena (UBT) is organising a Marathwada Morcha, and Uddhav Thackeray himself will lead it.”
Raut further urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend financial aid to the region’s farmers from the PM Cares Fund. “We demanded that Narendra Modi should at least help the farmers of Marathwada from the PM Cares Fund. If the flood-affected farmers are not helped, then it should be known to whom this money is for?” he questioned, issuing a stark warning that the suicide rate among farmers could rise further if urgent relief measures are not implemented.
In a sharp political comment, Raut added, “Marathwada is still under the Nizam’s rule. Atrocities and exploitation continue in Marathwada.”
Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a relief package totalling ₹31,628 crore for rain-hit farmers across the state. The government also decided to provide immediate cash relief of ₹10,000 to affected farmers.
CM Fadnavis noted that more than 68 lakh hectares of crops were damaged due to the floods and heavy rainfall across the state. The announced relief package is set to cover the damage in 29 of Maharashtra’s 36 districts.
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