Rohit Pawar seeks Shaktipeeth highway funds for Marathwada drought relief

Erratic rainfall across several parts of Maharashtra has left farmers worried, with conditions particularly severe in Marathwada, according to Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar. Pawar is touring Marathwada to assess the drought situation and has been speaking directly to farmers in their fields.

After visiting Dharashiv and Beed districts, Pawar reached Kingaon village in Latur district, where farmers raised their grievances over panchnamas and the lack of assistance. After inspecting the state of the crops, he demanded that the government announce immediate relief.

Pawar said more than 75 percent of the kharif crop has already been damaged, and hopes for the rabi season have also been dashed. He said this raises serious concerns about shortages of cattle fodder and drinking water, and that ensuring farmers and ordinary people can get through the next ten months has become a major question.

He demanded that the government immediately declare drought and provide farmers financial assistance. He also said that funds earmarked for development works such as the Shaktipeeth highway should instead be used to help farmers cope with the current crisis.

Pawar said NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the drought issue. He said that if the matter is not resolved even after giving the government some time through the letter, Sharad Pawar has a history of resorting to agitation.

Rohit Pawar said, "If Ajit Pawar were here today, he would not get caught up in rules and conditions." He was referring to Ajit Pawar's way of working, describing him as a leader attuned to people's concerns, while also targeting the current Mahayuti leadership.

Pawar said he would hand over to Sharad Pawar the information gathered from farmers and the ground situation during his Marathwada tour. Attention now turns to what decision the government takes on the drought and what relief it announces for farmers.