The NCP (SP) leader said he did not want to politicise the issue but genuinely felt that everyone should make efforts to help affected farmers
Sharad Pawar. File Pic
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Friday the financial assistance announced by the Maharashtra government for farmers affected by the recent heavy rains in Marathwada is inadequate and will not help them recover their losses, reported news agency PTI.
He was speaking to reporters in Baramati.
"Calamities occur, but it is the responsibility of those in power to help the affected farmers. Recently, the state government announced some meagre help, but considering the magnitude of the damage caused by the rains, farmers feel that it will not be sufficient for them to stand on their feet again. As a result, they are unhappy with the government," Pawar said, reported PTI.
The NCP (SP) leader said he did not want to politicise the issue but genuinely felt that everyone should make efforts to help affected farmers.
"But the government is not extending adequate assistance, which is why our organisation has decided not to celebrate today's day," he said, referring to 'Vasubaras', which marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. On this day, people worship cows and calves, reported PTI.
Heavy rainfall and floods in September severely affected Marathwada in central Maharashtra and adjoining regions.
Last week, the state government announced a compensation package of Rs 31,628 crore for farmers who suffered massive losses due to rains and floods.
It included compensation for crop losses, life and property, soil erosion, direct financial support to farmers, concessions generally extended in drought-like conditions, hospitalisation expenses, ex gratia, damage to houses, shops, and cattle sheds.
Commenting on the Opposition's allegations of irregularities in the voters' list for the Bihar elections, Pawar said their alliance partners in the eastern state are unhappy as "power is being misused".
"There are some issues with the voters' list, and the opposition has conveyed its concerns to the Election Commission," he added, reported PTI.
Pawar family not to celebrate Diwali this year: Sule
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Thursday said the Pawar family has decided not to celebrate the Diwali festival this year.
"Our aunt, Bharati Prataprao Pawar, passed away recently. She was like a mother to all of us. Therefore, we, the entire Pawar family, have collectively decided not to celebrate this year's Diwali," the Lok Sabha member said in a post on X.
The annual Diwali celebrations and the programme of meeting relatives on the occasion of Diwali Padva at Govindbag in Pune's Baramati area will also not be held this year, said Sule, who is the daughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar.
Bharati Pawar (77), wife of Sharad Pawar's younger brother Prataprao Pawar, passed away in March this year.
(With inputs from PTI)
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