Nana Patole says 99 percent of Maharashtra facing drought-like conditions

Politics over the drought situation in Maharashtra has heated up. Congress leader Nana Patole has directly targeted the state government, saying that a shortage of rainfall has caused heavy damage to farming in several parts of the state. According to Patole, the government delayed declaring drought, and he claimed that drought-like conditions exist in nearly 99 percent of the state, not just 75 percent.

Patole said the Karnataka government had already declared drought and started providing relief before Maharashtra did, while the Maharashtra government delayed taking a decision on the matter. He alleged that this delay has made the condition of farmers even more serious.

He said that in drought-like conditions, merely offering assurances to farmers will not work, and they need real help immediately. For this, Patole demanded that panchnamas be conducted at once, a blanket loan waiver be announced, and farmers be given substantial financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Nana Patole also raised questions over the role of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He cited a statement by West Bengal BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya, in which Bhattacharya had demanded that Gyanesh Kumar be given the Padma Bhushan or Padma Vibhushan award. Using this reference, Patole raised questions about the election process.

Patole also claimed that two fellow members of the Election Commission had written letters to the Union Secretary and the Chief Election Commissioner on different issues. According to him, these letters drew attention to irregularities in the election process.

Nana Patole made clear that his objection is not to the BJP but to the role of the Chief Election Commissioner. However, he questioned that if the BJP is taking such a strong role in supporting Gyanesh Kumar, then questions also arise over election results in various states.

Patole asked whether the Election Commission's role had any political impact on elections in states such as Maharashtra, Haryana, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Patole further launched a sharper attack on the government, alleging an impact on democracy and voters' rights in the country. According to him, problems are becoming serious in several areas including farmers, laborers, the unemployed, education and health.

Meanwhile, the Congress is stepping up pressure on the government to ensure farmers get help as soon as possible in view of the drought. All eyes are now on what stance the government takes on Nana Patole's demands.