Wed Sep 24 17:11:18 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Maharashtra, India, particularly in the Marathwada and Western Maharashtra regions. The disaster has resulted in casualties, livestock deaths, displacement of people, and extensive crop damage. The state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has announced relief measures for farmers, including relaxed documentation processes for compensation. Opposition parties have criticized the government’s response, particularly the inclusion of politicians’ photos on relief aid, accusing them of playing politics with the disaster. Political parties are pledging donations and planning visits to affected areas.

**News Article:**

**Maharashtra Floods Claim Lives, Devastate Crops; Government Announces Relief Amid Political Sparring**

**Mumbai, September 24, 2025** – Torrential rains have triggered severe flooding across Maharashtra, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 10 lives. The Marathwada and Western Maharashtra regions have been the hardest hit, with thousands displaced, livestock perished, and approximately 7 million acres of crops destroyed.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited flood-affected areas in Solapur and Latur districts today, promising immediate relief to farmers ahead of Diwali. He assured residents that documentation requirements for compensation would be eased. Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde also toured affected regions.

“The government will set aside all criteria to assist farmers with compensation,” Fadnavis stated, addressing villagers in the flood-stricken Ujani area. Villagers pleaded for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts, including Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, warning of more heavy rainfall. Since June, Maharashtra has received 996.7 mm of rain, exceeding the average by 103.57%, leading to overflowing rivers and widespread inundation.

However, the government’s relief efforts have been marred by controversy. Deputy Chief Minister Shinde’s distribution of aid kits bearing his and Shiv Sena Minister Pratap Sarnaik’s photos has drawn criticism from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Sanjay Raut, a spokesperson for the MVA, accused the ruling coalition of “playing politics” with the disaster.

In response, Shinde defended the inclusion of the photos, urging people to focus on the aid provided. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne faced angry farmers complaining about delays in the ‘punchnama’ documentation required for compensation.

Former Minister Aaditya Thackeray, of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has demanded a loan waiver for affected farmers and the immediate disbursement of outstanding compensation from previous disasters.

Mahayuti allies NCP and Shinde’s Shiv Sena have pledged one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray is scheduled to visit the flood-affected Marathwada region tomorrow.

The situation remains critical as authorities continue rescue and relief operations.

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