26 May,2026 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde criticised the opposition parties over their protests on the onion issue. File Pic
Amid the ongoing Onion farmers protest, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured the state and Centre will not leave onion farmers helpless.
Shinde, while assuring the farmers, stated that both the Central and State governments are fully committed to supporting them during the ongoing price crisis.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday, Shinde said a positive solution is expected from the meeting called by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah regarding the problems faced by onion growers.
He stressed that the government is sensitive to the concerns of farmers and is working in coordination to provide relief.
Shinde said onion procurement centres have already been started by both the State and Central governments. At present, onions are being purchased at Rs 15.80 per kilogram.
He assured farmers that the government would not leave them helpless under any circumstances.
"The government is fully aware of the difficulties faced by onion-producing farmers. Necessary steps are being taken to protect their interests," Shinde said.
He added that discussions in the meeting chaired by Amit Shah are expected to result in an appropriate decision that will provide relief to farmers.
The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised the opposition parties over their protests on the onion issue.
According to Shinde, the opposition no longer has any strong public issues and is organising protests only to gain media attention.
"This is not a genuine fight for farmers' welfare. It is merely political stuntmanship for publicity," he said.
Shinde also referred to the period when the UPA government was in power at the Centre, saying onion prices had caused difficulties for both farmers and consumers during that time as well.
He claimed that earlier governments had failed to take effective measures to support farmers, while the current governments at both the Centre and State levels are standing firmly with them.
Reiterating the government's commitment, Shinde said every possible effort is being made to ensure justice for onion farmers.
He assured that the government would not allow farmers to suffer losses and would continue to take decisions in their interest.
