Wadettiwar questions Kumbh spending while farmers face conditions for drought aid

Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday targeted the Maharashtra government. He alleged that, instead of helping farmers troubled by drought and financial hardship, the government is giving priority to big events. He raised questions over the alleged expenditure on the Kumbh Mela.

Wadettiwar questioned the reported allocation of Rs 16 crore for flag hoisting and Rs 3 crore for a helipad. He said this money could have been used to give relief to distressed farmers before Diwali. He said, "Instead of spending on the lights of the Kumbh Mela, make sure farmers have a better Diwali."

The Congress leader said farmers across the state are facing severe financial hardship because of drought, yet the government is spending crores of rupees on events linked to the Kumbh Mela. He alleged that the agrarian crisis is deepening but the government has not announced any concrete support scheme for farmers. According to him, the government's focus is more on holding events and gaining publicity on social media than on resolving the crisis.

Wadettiwar also raised the issue of farmer suicides in the state and said the government should take it seriously. He asked, "Are the farmers who die by suicide not Hindus?" He also asked why, when large sums are being given for the Kumbh Mela, farmers caught in financial distress are not getting adequate help.

He also objected to the conditions attached to the aid. On the requirement of at least 33 per cent crop loss to qualify for assistance, Wadettiwar said such conditions are adding to farmers' difficulties. He also asked why, although the state government has announced financial aid, no concrete plan for farmers is visible before Diwali.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved an advance of Rs 5,000 per farmer for eligible farmers in 304 drought-affected talukas. Rs 7,500 crore has been set aside for this. The assistance is for farmers who have lost more than 33 per cent of their crop. Wadettiwar said that, instead of spending huge sums on big events, the government should ensure that help reaches distressed farmers on time.

Wadettiwar also defended Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. He said Gandhi is raising concerns about protecting the Constitution, the functioning of democracy and the transparency of the election process. Wadettiwar asked why the Centre is troubled when questions are asked about the Election Commission, changes to voter lists and amendments to Form No. 6. Form No. 6 is filled in to get a name added to the voter list.

According to him, bringing out alleged irregularities in the election process is a democratic responsibility and cannot be called spreading anarchy. He also raised questions about the functioning of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Wadettiwar stressed that every citizen has the right to voice concern about protecting the Constitution and democratic institutions. He said the government should answer the questions raised on the election process instead of criticising those who raise them. He said, "Instead of blaming those who ask questions, the government should give them answers."