25 September,2026 09:27 AM IST | | Archana Dahiwal
Ahir attended the Ganesh aarti at CIE Automotive India Ltd in Bhosari. Pic via Archana Dahiwal
Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Sachin Ahir on Thursday said the state government was closely monitoring the drought-like situation and that there was currently no proposal to convene a special session of the state legislature to discuss the issue.
Speaking to reporters after attending a Ganesh aarti at CIE Automotive India Ltd in Bhosari, Ahir said district collectors had been directed to submit reports on the drought situation within three days.
Ahir said several parts of Maharashtra were facing a serious drought-like situation, with farmers suffering crop losses. He said the government was assessing conditions on the ground rather than relying solely on official reports.
"The Chief Minister, both Deputy Chief Ministers and the respective guardian ministers are visiting affected areas and interacting directly with farmers instead of relying only on reports. Once the reports from the districts are received, the Chief Minister will announce a decision," Ahir said.
He added that the situation varied across the state, with some reservoirs having adequate water while crops had been damaged in other areas.
"This is a natural crisis, but farmers need immediate assistance. The government is taking steps to ensure that help reaches them at the earliest," he said.
Ahir said there was currently no proposal to convene a special session of the state legislature to discuss the drought situation.
"The next session is expected to be held within the next one-and-a-half to two months. MLAs will be able to raise the issue of drought during that session," he said.
The remarks come amid growing focus on drought-like conditions across Maharashtra and demands for relief for affected farmers.
Ahir said the Shiv Sena had started fodder camps in Jalna, Amravati and Nagpur, while other political parties and social organisations were also contributing towards fodder arrangements.
"The priority is to ensure that direct assistance reaches farmers," he said.
On restrictions on the use of DJs during Ganeshotsav, Ahir said festivals should be celebrated with enthusiasm while preserving traditional practices.
"Festivals should be celebrated with enthusiasm, but traditions must also be preserved. As a representative of workers, I participate in Ganeshotsav with workers every year. My workers' organisations also worship Lord Ganesha using traditional musical instruments without using DJs," he said.
Ahir attended the Ganesh aarti at CIE Automotive India Ltd in Bhosari along with MLA Mahesh Landge, Shiv Sena deputy leader and senior corporator Sulabha Ubale, coordinator Somesh Vaidya, company officials and trade union representatives.
