15 October,2026 10:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sapkal visited drought-affected villages in Washim district to assess the ground situation and interact with farmers.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Thursday criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government over its assistance to drought-hit farmers, questioning how they could celebrate Diwali with just Rs 5,000 in relief.
"If the government cannot wipe the tears from farmers' eyes, it should at least refrain from making fun of their suffering," Sapkal said, accusing the state government of failing to provide adequate support to farmers affected by a prolonged dry spell.
Sapkal visited drought-affected villages in Washim district to assess the ground situation and interact with farmers. The Congress alleged that deficient rainfall and rising temperatures had severely affected the kharif crop season, leaving farmers facing mounting financial difficulties ahead of Dussehra and Diwali.
"With inflation at such high levels, how can farmers celebrate Diwali with Rs 5,000?" Sapkal asked, criticising the government's announcement of advance financial assistance.
During his visit, Sapkal inspected the drought situation in Kinwad, Malegaon, Pandav Umra, Tandali and Kamathwada villages in Washim district. He also spoke to farmers about crop losses and the difficulties they were facing.
He was accompanied by MLA Amit Zanak, Washim District Congress Committee president Vitthal Chaudhary, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Dilip Sarnaik and other party office-bearers and workers.
Speaking to the media, Sapkal said the kharif season had been severely affected by a dry spell lasting more than 75 days, coupled with high temperatures. He claimed that crops had withered, soybean pods were empty and farmers' hopes of a reasonable harvest had diminished.
He alleged that farmers were struggling with rising debt and crop losses, while the state government's relief measures had failed to address their immediate needs.
Sapkal criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led government for announcing advance assistance of Rs 5,000, arguing that the amount was inadequate given the scale of farmers' losses.
The Maharashtra Congress chief demanded financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh per hectare for affected farmers without discrimination. He also called for a complete farm loan waiver and the immediate establishment of fodder camps to support livestock in drought-hit areas.
The party's other demands include ex-gratia assistance for agricultural labourers, a waiver of students' educational fees and proper planning to ensure adequate drinking water supplies.
Sapkal urged the state government to move beyond surveys, meetings and announcements and transfer financial assistance directly into farmers' bank accounts.
He said the Congress would continue its agitation until farmers received what the party considers adequate relief for their losses.
