Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has criticised the Maharashtra government over growing farmer distress following the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from most parts of the state.

In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction warned that Maharashtra could face a severe drought lasting nine to 10 months. The editorial said the retreat of the monsoon, without the expected return showers, had dashed farmers’ remaining hopes and left large parts of the state facing severe water and crop-related stress.