Shiv Sena (UBT) leader slams officials for serving cashews, almonds at drought review meet

Drought conditions are worsening in several parts of Maharashtra and farmer suicides continue unabated. Amid this, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve alleged that while farmers do not even have oil left to light a lamp at home, those in power were eating cashews and almonds at a meeting called to review the very same drought.

Danve was in Pimpri-Chinchwad city on Saturday to meet various Ganesh mandals, Shiv Sena shakhas, office-bearers and senior Shiv Sainiks. Speaking to reporters afterwards, he attacked the state government over the drought issue.

A meeting had been held in Nanded, in the presence of Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne, to review the drought situation in Marathwada. Danve claimed that during this meeting, a video emerged showing MP Sanjay Jadhav eating cashews and almonds. Expressing anger over this, Danve said, "Farmers are in a bad state due to the drought, and this conduct by public representatives is unfortunate. There is no harm in having a light snack, but people should demand an answer from those who were eating cashews and almonds."

Danve further remarked sarcastically, "In British times, citizens were oppressed. Today, those in power are treating people the same way. It is the state's misfortune that such insensitive public representatives get elected." He said the state's farmers are in crisis and drought has intensified in many areas. Danve said he has prayed to Lord Ganesha that farmers come out of this crisis, that there be good rain, and that the public teach a lesson to those who neglect farmers.

Shiv Sena leader and minister Sanjay Shirsat also expressed anger over the matter, echoing Danve's stand. A political controversy erupted after a video of cashews and almonds being served to leaders at the Marathwada divisional drought review meeting in Nanded went viral. Shirsat took officials to task, saying that at a time when the kharif season has already been ruined and farmers are waiting for help, this unnecessary hospitality by officials causes embarrassment to leaders. The video of Sanjay Jadhav eating cashews and almonds went particularly viral. Shirsat called it a mistake by officials rather than hospitality, and said he would speak to the divisional commissioner about it. Several districts of Maharashtra are in the grip of drought, with farmers getting by on plain chutney and roti, and the sight of cashews and almonds on leaders' plates has drawn criticism from all quarters.