Maharashtra's Farming Crisis Deepens Amid Political Accusations

Shashikant Shinde, president of NCP (SP) in Maharashtra, has blamed the Devendra Fadnavis government for failing to request a relief package from the Centre. He revealed that six farmers in the Parbhani-Beed belt committed suicide due to flood-induced hardships, further criticizing protection offered to sugar mills.

Maharashtra NCP (SP) chief Shashikant Shinde on Monday criticized the state government, alleging it failed to seek a crucial relief package from the Centre following recent floods. This inaction, he claimed, has led to farmer suicides in the Parbhani-Beed region.

The state is yet to propose a relief package to the Central government, even after heavy rains since September 20 caused widespread destruction of crops, leaving numerous farmers in peril, particularly in Marathwada.

In addition to this tragedy, Shinde accused the government of protecting sugar mills that exploited farmers, neglecting their plight and compounding the distress in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)