Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Thursday criticised the state government’s relief package for farmers affected by recent heavy rainfall and flooding, describing it as a “cruel joke” and demanding urgent intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported the PTI.
Unseasonal and excessive rainfall in September devastated crops across the state, particularly in Marathwada and neighbouring regions, affecting nearly 68.69 lakh hectares of agricultural land.
On Tuesday, the Maharashtra government announced a Rs 31,628 crore compensation package. It includes relief for crop loss, life and property damage, soil erosion, hospitalisation, ex-gratia payments, and destruction of homes, shops, and cattle sheds.
However, Sapkal, addressing the media after a North Maharashtra Congress meeting, said, “Since May, farmers have been suffering due to erratic rains. What the state government has offered is a deceptive eyewash, not genuine support.”
He criticised the Prime Minister for failing to announce any central aid during his recent Mumbai visit. “He’s extended special packages to Bihar, Gujarat, and Punjab, yet Maharashtra has been neglected in its time of crisis,” Sapkal said, according to the PTI.
He further alleged that the state’s compensation figures include insurance settlements and lightning-related fatalities, calling it a “bogus accounting exercise” designed to inflate the relief figure without offering new assistance.
The Congress has demanded Rs 50,000 per hectare for crop damage, Rs 5 lakh per hectare for soil erosion, and a complete farm loan waiver.
Taking aim at both the state and central governments, Sapkal called the PM’s recent visit “politically motivated,” citing hasty inaugurations of the Navi Mumbai airport, the Shiv Smarak in the Arabian Sea, and the Indu Mill memorial for Dr B. R. Ambedkar, projects he claims have made little progress post-inauguration, as per the PTI.
He also criticised the law and order situation in Maharashtra.
He said, “There have been 44 murders in Nashik in just nine months. Crime against women and drug rackets are surging. The state needs a dedicated Home Minister,” the news agency reported.
Sapkal called for the removal of Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, who is currently facing controversy, and urged CM Devendra Fadnavis to appoint a full-time home minister.
Referring to the recent attack on Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, Sapkal condemned the incident as “a shameful act inspired by Manusmriti ideology.” He further alleged that the accused’s surname was intentionally withheld, warning that failure to take strict action could lead to similar incidents spreading.
(with PTI inputs)
