Overview
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met the prime minister to press for central assistance and said he received an explicit assurance of support from the Centre.
- The state government declared drought across 265 of 358 talukas after a sharp rainfall shortfall, leaving wide areas with urgent needs for drinking water and livestock fodder.
- Modi requested specific information on water availability, fodder stocks and crop damage so the Centre can assess requirements before approving extra aid.
- Shinde said a Central assessment team will soon visit drought-hit villages to verify conditions and guide the design of relief, while concrete new measures have not yet been announced.
- The plea for help comes against an active political backdrop in Maharashtra where alliance tensions and local contests are shaping public statements and could affect the timing and conduct of relief efforts.