Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray slams CM Fadnavis over ‘wet drought’ denial, accuses govt of changing definitions

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray took a dig at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for stating that there is no term as ‘wet drought'. Thackeray claimed when he was chief minister and Fadnavis was leader of the Opposition, the latter had written a letter asking for relief for wet-drought-affected farmers. "When in Opposition, the term wet drought existed. Now, when Fadnavis is CM, the term does not exist. How is this possible?" Thackeray said, accusing the government of changing the dictionary as per its convenience.

Excessive rainfall has caused huge destruction in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and North and Western Maharashtra regions. Crops have been washed away, homes and belongings destroyed, and livestock lost in the floodwaters, leading to massive losses for the families of farmers and others. Opposition parties are demanding a declaration of a ‘wet drought' in the state. However, responding to the demand, Fadnavis claimed that there was no such term in the government manual, nor had it been declared in the past.

For now, as interim relief, farmers are being provided with Rs 10,000 in cash along with 10 kg of rice and 10 kg of wheat, before a full-fledged compensation package is rolled out. The survey for damages is expected to be completed by next week, and the relief amount will be disbursed before Diwali. Thackeray slammed the BJP-led Union government for a scheme where 75 lakh women would be given Rs 10,000 ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls.

"Did anyone from Bihar ask for the assistance? Despite no proposal, the scheme was announced. But in Maharashtra, despite farmers pleading for loan waiver and help, the ruling regime is turning a deaf ear to their plea," Thackeray alleged.