Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, criticising his rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as a display of “crocodile tears” and accusing him of politicising the distress of farmers, reported the PTI.
Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing a public rally, had warned that farmers would be forced to take to the streets if the state government failed to announce a comprehensive loan waiver for those affected by heavy rains and floods.
Responding to Uddhav Thackeray’s remarks, Eknath Shinde questioned the former chief minister’s concern for farmers, stating, “Those who never stepped out of their homes now claim to lead marches for farmers. Where was this concern when they had the opportunity to help?”, according to the PTI.
He affirmed that the Mahayuti government has been steadfast in supporting farmers amid one of the worst agricultural crises in recent memory. “When crops, livestock, land, and even homes were ravaged, our entire government, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and ministers, visited the affected regions. We decided not to let NDRF guidelines hinder urgent relief efforts,” Shinde said, as per the PTI.
The state government has announced a Rs 31,628 crore relief package, with Rs 10,000 in immediate financial aid already transferred directly to farmers` accounts ahead of Diwali. Those who faced crop losses will receive Rs 48,000 per hectare, with additional support of up to Rs 3.47 lakh per hectare under the MGNREGA scheme, he added.
Calling Uddhav Thackeray’s actions a “drama of crocodile tears,” Eknath Shinde accused him of using farmers’ suffering for political gain.
“This isn’t genuine concern; it’s politics over pain,” he said.
He further stated that while the opposition resorts to slogans, the Mahayuti government focuses on providing real solutions. “When power slips from their hands, they cry foul. But our government is about action, not theatrics,” Eknath Shinde said, the news agency reported.
With the backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the state and central governments are working in coordination to ensure that no farmer is left unsupported, he said.
(with PTI inputs)
