AAP Calls for Immediate ₹1 Lakh Relief for Farmers in Maharashtra
Aam Aadmi Party demands urgent financial support for farmers affected by drought across 265 talukas in Maharashtra.
AAP demands ₹1 lakh per acre relief for farmers and ₹1.5 lakh for fruit growers.
Protests led by AAP highlight the urgency for immediate assistance following drought declaration.
Criticism directed at the government for inadequate measures despite severe drought conditions.
In response to the Maharashtra government's declaration of a drought affecting 265 talukas, including Katol and Narkhed in Nagpur district, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for immediate financial relief for farmers. On Saturday, AAP leaders emphasized the necessity of providing ₹1 lakh per acre to farmers and ₹1.5 lakh per acre to fruit growers without delay or conditions related to crop-damage assessments.
The protest, led by AAP's Vrushabh Wankhede in Katol, aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for assistance. Wankhede criticized the government for its slow response, stating that merely declaring a drought is insufficient. "Farmers need substantial assistance immediately. The government should not turn the drought declaration into an empty exercise," he asserted.
Wankhede further pointed out that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had described the current drought situation as more severe than that of 1972, yet the measures announced thus far have been deemed inadequate. While the government has proposed waiving land revenue for farmers and examination fees for students, AAP leaders argue that a comprehensive financial assistance plan, including farm loan waivers, is still lacking.
The protest saw participation from hundreds of farmers, alongside AAP leaders such as Sunildada Wadaskar, Jagjit Singh, Ahmed Qadar, and Pankaj Ghatole. The gathering underscored the collective demand for immediate action to support the agricultural community facing dire circumstances due to the drought.
Looking ahead, AAP plans to continue advocating for farmers' rights and pressing the government for swift action. The party is expected to organize further demonstrations and discussions to ensure that the plight of farmers remains a priority for the state government.
