Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday flagged off trucks carrying Diwali ration and relief supplies for drought-affected farmers from his residence in Thane, an official statement said.
The initiative aims to provide assistance through both the state government and the Shiv Sena, with financial aid being credited to farmers’ bank accounts and festive essentials being delivered to their homes, it said.
Speaking at the event, Shinde said the government would not hold back assistance for farmers facing difficulties because of drought.
Hundreds of trucks to deliver Diwali essentials
The Shiv Sena will send hundreds of trucks carrying Diwali ration to drought-affected areas in phases, according to Shinde. Party workers will deliver the supplies directly to farmers at their homes and fields.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MP Naresh Mhaske, MLA Ravindra Phatak, Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar, Shiv Sena office-bearers and party workers were present at the flag-off event.
Shinde extended festive wishes to farmers, citizens and journalists on the occasion of Dussehra and said, “We will not let farmers’ Diwali be bleak.”
He said the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs and MPs had visited drought-affected areas to understand farmers’ problems.
The government had accepted the demand to declare drought in Maharashtra and would ensure that farmers received assistance, he added.
Rs 5,000 assistance being credited to farmers’ accounts
Shinde said financial assistance of Rs 5,000 was being credited to farmers’ bank accounts. He said the government understood the difficulties faced by farming families, including the impact on children’s education, daughters’ weddings and household expenses.
He pointed out that farmers had suffered crop losses due to heavy rainfall last year, while drought had damaged crops this year.
Shinde also said the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were supporting farmers.
Shiv Sena to help with daughters’ weddings
Shinde said the relief initiative would continue through the Dussehra rally, with more trucks carrying essential supplies being sent to drought-hit areas.
He said the party was following the principle of “80 per cent social work and 20 per cent politics” and would take responsibility for helping with the wedding expenses of daughters from drought-affected farming families.
MLAs, district chiefs and taluka-level party leaders had been instructed to identify families requiring such assistance, he added.
Shinde said the initiative reflected the Shiv Sena’s commitment to standing by people during difficult times, drawing on the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe.
He also praised MP Dr Shrikant Shinde for observing Navratri simply while preserving traditions and culture, and for using the festival to extend assistance to farmers.
