In a powerful address to farmers in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government's handling of the recent Marathwada flood crisis while highlighting the persistent struggles faced by the agricultural community.
Government Failure in Flood Management
Thackeray didn't mince words when addressing the devastating floods that recently ravaged Marathwada region. "While Marathwada drowns in floods, the government remains submerged in corruption and incompetence," he stated during the rally at Azad Maidan.
The former chief minister questioned the government's preparedness and response mechanism, pointing out the irony of a region historically known for drought now facing catastrophic flooding. "This shows complete failure in water management and disaster preparedness," he emphasized.
Farmer Woes Take Center Stage
The rally saw thousands of farmers from across Maharashtra gathering to voice their concerns. Thackeray highlighted several critical issues affecting the agricultural sector:
- Inadequate compensation for crop damage
- Rising input costs and declining produce prices
- Pending loan waivers and financial assistance
- Poor irrigation facilities and water management
Political Battle Intensifies
Thackeray directly targeted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, accusing them of neglecting farmer welfare while focusing on political maneuvering. "The government that came to power by betraying the people's mandate has now betrayed the farmers too," he charged.
The Shiv Sena leader reminded the gathering of initiatives taken during his tenure as chief minister, contrasting them with what he called the current administration's "empty promises and delayed actions."
Marathwada's Dual Crisis
The address particularly focused on Marathwada's unique predicament – a region that has swung between extreme drought and devastating floods within short timeframes. Thackeray pointed out that this volatility demands specialized attention and long-term planning that the current government has failed to provide.
"From water scarcity to water excess, our farmers face nature's fury without government support either way," he stated, drawing loud applause from the gathered farmers.
Way Forward Demanded
Thackeray concluded with a strong message to the state government, demanding immediate action on several fronts:
- Comprehensive flood relief package for Marathwada
- Swift compensation for crop losses across Maharashtra
- Implementation of long-pending farmer welfare schemes
- Sustainable water management policies
The rally marks a significant moment in Maharashtra's political landscape as farmer issues return to the forefront of political discourse, with opposition parties seeking to capitalize on rural discontent ahead of upcoming elections.
