Fri Dec 12 05:25:21 UTC 2025: Summary:

A political dispute has erupted in Maharashtra, India, over the distribution of relief funds to farmers affected by severe flooding and crop damage. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of being a “miser” for allegedly spending only a small portion of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund on flood-affected farmers in October. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) refuted the claim, stating that ₹61.5 crore had been distributed from the fund between October and December and that the government has distributed over ₹14,000 crore from a special ₹32,000 crore package directly to farmers. The state assembly also discussed the farmers’ plight, with concerns raised over the inadequacy of existing relief measures and the state’s financial capacity to meet supplementary demands for further assistance. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar clarified that the state government has requested a ₹29,000 crore relief package from the central government.

News Article:

Maharashtra Government Denies “Miserly” Relief Accusations Amid Farmer Crisis

Mumbai, December 12, 2025 – A political storm is brewing in Maharashtra over the state government’s handling of relief efforts for farmers devastated by recent floods. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve ignited the controversy by labeling Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis a “miserly Chief Minister,” alleging that only a paltry sum was disbursed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in October, despite significant donations.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) vehemently denied the accusations, calling the information “incorrect.” According to the CMO, ₹61.5 crore has been distributed from the fund between October and December. They clarified that the amount from the CM’s Relief Fund is utilized on a daily basis and that along with the fund, the farmers are receiving assistance from other departments, including the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. The CMO also emphasized that ₹14,000 crore from the special package of ₹32,000 crore has been directly deposited into farmers’ accounts.

The issue was hotly debated in the state assembly. Concerns were raised over the insufficient relief being offered to farmers who have suffered extensive crop damage due to heavy rainfall. Legislators questioned how the existing package will address the multifaceted challenges faced by farmers, including livestock welfare and restoring the dairy industry. The state’s financial capacity to meet supplementary demands exceeding ₹75,000 crore was also challenged.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar defended the government’s efforts, stating that a ₹29,000 crore relief package has been requested from the central government. Pawar said that ₹44,000 crore in relief has been provided to farmers already. He also noted that a central government team inspected the affected regions in early November.

The controversy underscores the immense pressure on the Maharashtra government to adequately address the plight of its farmers following widespread devastation. The debate is expected to continue as the state grapples with balancing financial constraints and the urgent needs of its agricultural sector.

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