Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 23: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called on the Central government to release an immediate relief package of Rs 10,000 crore for farmers in Maharashtra reeling from the devastation caused by torrential rains, floods, and waterlogging across multiple districts.

Thackeray urged that the funds be directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts without waiting for ground assessments, saying delays could worsen the crisis. He also warned against banks adjusting the aid against existing loans.

“First, deposit the compensation in the bank accounts, and then carry out inspections and panchnamas,” Thackeray said.

Key Demands:

• Rs 10,000 crore in immediate financial aid
• Direct bank transfers with no loan adjustments
• Compensation for up to 3 hectares of land (current norm is 2)
• Generous, norm-free assistance, not bureaucratic delays

He criticized both the state and central governments for inaction, especially in the wake of severe damage in Marathwada districts including Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Jalna, Nanded, and Sambhajinagar. Crops like khaira have been destroyed, livestock lost, roads damaged, and fields rendered unfit for the upcoming Rabi season due to soil erosion.

“How will agriculture in Marathwada recover from this?” he questioned.

Thackeray accused the ruling MahaYuti alliance of offering only "online advice" while staying absent from the ground.

“Not a single minister has visited the affected farms. The CM and his deputies could have flown in via helicopter, but clearly, they have no time,” he added.

Thackeray also took a dig at the Centre's promotion of AI in agriculture, stating that high-tech advice is of little use when basic relief is absent.

The former CM’s demands come at a time when farmers in rain-battered Maharashtra are desperately awaiting government support — with many accusing the administration of turning a blind eye to their suffering.