22 September,2026 02:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has urged the Maharashtra government to divert what he termed needless Kumbh Mela expenditure towards drought relief. File pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday urged the Maharashtra government to reduce what he described as "needless expenditure" on infrastructure for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik and divert the funds towards drought relief.
According to a PTI report, Raut said several parts of Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada and Vidarbha, are facing drought-like conditions due to a weak monsoon. The Opposition has been demanding an immediate declaration of drought and relief measures for affected farmers.
Raut also said the Maharashtra government would be compelled to accept the demands for farmer relief if Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents jointly launch a protest.
Raut claimed that there was a lack of coordination among the ruling BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP (SP) on the drought situation. He alleged that the issue was not being adequately discussed in the state Cabinet and that the concerns of farmers were not reaching the Mantralaya.
He said farmers affected by the dry spell required immediate assistance and questioned the government's response.
"Spending Rs 55,000-60,000 crore on (infrastructure work) for Kumbh Mela is not needed right now. Whatever is needed should be spent on Kumbh Mela, and the rest Rs 35,000-40,000 crore should be diverted to drought-affected people," Raut said.
On Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that "drought relief" measures had already been initiated. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is also expected to visit drought-affected areas later this month.
Raut further demanded that work on the proposed Shaktipeeth Expressway be stopped, alleging that its construction was intended to benefit contractors.
The proposed expressway is planned to connect regions including Vidarbha, Marathwada, western Maharashtra and Konkan.
"Needless expenditure should be stopped and diverted to give relief for farmers," Raut said.
He also demanded that the state Cabinet discuss measures concerning water tankers, food shelters for cattle and food distribution in drought-affected areas.
Raut called for transparency in the government's handling of the drought situation and said any Cabinet discussion on the issue should be broadcast live.
"If there is a discussion on drought in cabinet, then it should be telecast live. People should know how the government is tackling the drought issue," Raut added.
The Opposition has continued to press the state government for immediate drought relief as dry conditions affect parts of Maharashtra.
(With inputs from PTI)
