Bawankule orders ground-truthing in 18 talukas, fresh survey of 36 more, for drought list

State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has given details on the drought list. He said complaints about 18 talukas had come up in the previous Cabinet sub-committee. A government order was issued today, with the Chief Minister's approval, for a 20 per cent ground-truthing survey in these talukas so that their inclusion in the drought list can be considered, he said.

Bawankule said another list of 18 talukas has come in and a report has been sought on it. Once the report arrives, it too will be ground-truthed and a decision taken. He also said 36 talukas have been sent for a re-survey. According to him, 36 more of the 265 talukas have come before the Cabinet sub-committee. Requests on the matter were also received during his tour. Public representatives had gone to the farm bunds and made recommendations. Bawankule said the Chief Minister had given directions in this regard.

On the Central team, Bawankule said the Union government's drought team is assessing conditions in Maharashtra. The Centre has taken note of the state's drought and sent the team immediately. These three teams will survey Maharashtra. Bawankule said he was confident that Maharashtra would get major support through the efforts of the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister.

On the rebellion in the Legislative Council election, Bawankule said he was trying to ensure that no Bharatiya Janata Party worker rebels in the election. If a rebellion still happens, all powers to decide what to discuss and what action to take rest with state president Ravindra Chavan, who will take the decision, he said.

In Nagpur, Anil Sole is in the role of a rebel. Bawankule said he had spoken to Sole last time and meetings had also been held. The party had thought he would not file the nomination, but he did. Bawankule appealed to Sole not to contest against the official candidate in this election. The party has nominated Sudhakar Kohale.

Citing his own example, Bawankule said he too had once been denied a ticket and was later given one. In his words, the party is like one's mother, so he believes Anil Sole will not take a stand against the party. He hopes Sole will withdraw his nomination by 3 pm. Bawankule also said he does not have the power to take action; that lies with party president Ravindra Chavan.

Bawankule said ups and downs happen in the party. He was not given a candidature, but was given one in 2024. This time a new worker, Sudhakar Kohale, has been given the ticket. According to him, Anil Sole is a mature leader, and he appealed to Sole not to take any decision against the party.