Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Oct 11: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Mahayuti government on Saturday, calling its recently announced Rs 31,628 crore relief package for rain and flood-affected farmers a "mockery" of their suffering. Speaking at a protest rally organized by his party, Thackeray accused the state government of betraying its promises and ignoring the ground reality faced by distressed farmers across Marathwada and other regions.

"The so-called relief package is nothing but a cruel joke. While farmers are devastated, the government is busy congratulating itself," said Thackeray, adding that the aid announced is woefully inadequate to meet the actual losses incurred by cultivators.

He demanded that instead of restructuring farm loans, the government must announce a complete waiver to genuinely support farmers who are financially and emotionally shattered by natural disasters. Thackeray warned of a state-wide agitation if the government fails to act decisively.

Joined by key party leaders, including MP Sanjay Raut, MLA Aaditya Thackeray, and former opposition leader Ambadas Danve, he called for compensation of Rs 50,000 per hectare, slamming the current figures as insufficient. Referring to the alleged cash transactions during the 2022 political crisis, he said, “We’re asking for Rs 50,000 per hectare from those who took 50 boxes.”

Thackeray also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the state, pointing out that the PM left without mentioning any central aid for flood-hit farmers. “How can we expect justice from a Prime Minister who doesn’t even acknowledge the farmers’ plight?” he asked.

Taking a swipe at chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Thackeray remarked sarcastically, “Farmers in Marathwada are saying, ‘The king was generous and gave us watermelon,’” a dig at what he perceives as empty gestures from the state leadership.

Thackeray added that while he’s open to supporting the package, the state must prove its intent by immediately depositing Rs 1 lac — part of the Rs 3.5 lac per hectare assistance for eroded land under NAREGA — into farmers’ accounts before Diwali.

Slamming the Mahayuti alliance further, he said, “You come to power with farmers' votes. But when they ask for justice, you say it’s not politics. You restructure loans when what’s needed is debt relief. We don't want farmers to die today or tomorrow — we want them to live, free from debt.”

Responding to chief minister Fadnavis' claim that Thackeray has no right to talk about loan waivers, he retorted, “I have every right. When I was CM, I waived farm loans.”

Thackeray concluded with a firm promise to farmers: “We will stand by you in every crisis, shoulder to shoulder. If this government fails to act, we will take to the streets across the state.”