Shinde meets PM Modi over Maharashtra drought, says Centre assures support for farmers
You don’t have any Active Subscription.
Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription
In this image posted on October 5, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, during a meeting with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in New Delhi. Photo: @Shivsenaofc/X via PTI Photo
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday (October 5, 2026) and discussed the drought situation in Maharashtra, with Mr. Shinde saying the Centre had assured the State of support for farmers affected by the crisis.
The hour-long meeting focused on the situation facing farmers, including water availability, agricultural conditions and the availability of fodder for livestock, according to a statement issued by Mr. Shinde’s office.
Mr. Shinde said Mr. Modi sought details about the situation in Maharashtra and assured him that the Centre would extend necessary assistance. He expressed confidence that Maharashtra would receive substantial support considering the scale of the crisis.
“Farmers’ Diwali will not be marred by the drought crisis,” Mr. Shinde said, adding that the State government would stand firmly behind farmers during the difficult period.
Mr. Shinde said farmers currently receive ₹12,000 annually through financial assistance provided jointly by the Centre and the Maharashtra government. This includes ₹6,000 under the Centre’s farmer assistance scheme and another ₹6,000 through the State government’s Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana.
Referring to assistance extended to farmers following heavy rains last year, Mr. Shinde said the government would not hesitate to provide support when the agricultural community was facing distress.
“The farming community has the first right over the government treasury. When farmers are in distress, the government will not hold back assistance,” he said.
Mr. Shinde also criticised the Opposition, accusing it of focusing on marches, protests and allegations against Mr. Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah instead of raising substantive issues concerning the public.
The Deputy Chief Minister also spoke about the upcoming Legislative Council elections. He said the Mahayuti coordination committee had discussed Mangesh Chivte’s candidature from the Pune Teachers’ Constituency.
Mr. Shinde said his party had issued the AB Form to Mr. Chivte and that he would file his nomination on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).
Responding to a question on a possible Cabinet expansion, Mr. Shinde said Mr. Modi, as the principal leader of the National Democratic Alliance, would take an appropriate decision on the matter at the right time.
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
