Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 24: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde assured that no one affected by the floods in Dharashiv district and other parts of the state will be left without support. After visiting flood-ravaged areas on Wednesday, he emphasized the need for urgent relief over political point-scoring, stating that "people hit by nature’s fury need help, not politics."

During his visit to Paranda, Bhum, and Kalam tehsils, Shinde assessed the damage firsthand in villages like Karanja, where overflowing rivers, particularly the Sina, have destroyed crops, homes, and even the fertile soil itself. “The agricultural produce is gone, homes are filled with mud, and in some areas, the land itself has eroded. We will relax terms and conditions to ensure affected farmers get the help they need,” he said.

He announced that Shiv Sena ministers and MLAs will donate one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, reinforcing the party’s commitment to supporting farmers in times of crisis. “Shiv Sena has always stood by farmers during disasters and will continue to do so without hesitation,” Shinde added.

The Deputy CM also stated that temporary assistance will begin shortly and that the Panchnama process—the official damage assessment—will guide further compensation. He hinted that criteria for aid distribution may be adjusted to accommodate severe soil loss and crop destruction.

As criticism emerged over aid trucks displaying party leaders’ photos, Shinde sidestepped the controversy, reiterating the priority is on relief and rehabilitation, not publicity. He urged everyone to “help in their own way” and maintain patience and unity during this natural disaster.

The government, he said, is currently focused on relief and rescue, with further policy decisions and financial aid to follow based on the complete assessment of damage.