Heavy rains continue to batter Marathwada in Maharashtra, claiming lives, killing livestock, and wrecking crops across the region. In response, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shared his heartbreak on X (formerly Twitter) and called on the government to speed up relief for flood-hit families and farmers.
“The news of lives lost and massive crop damage from heavy rainfall in Marathwada is truly devastating,” Gandhi posted. “My thoughts are with all the affected families during this tough time.” He urged authorities to quickly assess the destruction and deliver full support to farmers facing Maharashtra floods.
Gandhi also rallied Congress party members to team up with the Maharashtra administration and offer every bit of help they can to those in need.
Adding to the support, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar announced he’ll donate six months of his income to aid distressed farmers in Maharashtra. This comes after ruling MahaYuti leaders, including BJP’s Maharashtra chief Ravindra Chavan and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, pledged one month’s salary for rain-affected growers.
Wadettiwar argued that one month’s pay won’t cut it amid such widespread crop devastation. “Farmers have suffered huge losses from this rain fury,” he told reporters. “We all need to step up and provide maximum help to pull them through.” He highlighted how post-flood issues, like the yellow mosaic virus hitting crops, are making things even worse for farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada.
The opposition leader demanded an immediate crop loss survey—known as panchnama—and Rs 50,000 per hectare in compensation from the Agriculture Minister. If the Maharashtra government drags its feet, he warned, it’ll bear the blame for farmers’ ongoing struggles.
Wadettiwar didn’t hold back on Wednesday, slamming the state’s initial aid as a “cruel joke.” Both Congress and NCP-SP are pushing for a “wet drought” declaration to unlock more relief funds.
On a positive note, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed the government has approved Rs 2,215 crore in financial aid for 31.64 lakh farmers hit by heavy rains in Maharashtra. Of that, Rs 1,829 crore is already at the district level and should hit farmers’ bank accounts in the next 8 to 10 days.
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