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Opposition Stages 'Black Diwali' Protests Over Delayed Relief for Maharashtra Farmers

Statewide hunger strikes spotlight claims that only a fraction of the Rs 31,628 crore package has been issued.

Overview

  • NCP (SP) and Congress leaders held protests outside district collectorates, describing the festival period as a 'Black Diwali' for rain‑ and flood‑hit farmers.
  • Sharad Pawar called the announced assistance meagre, said his party would skip the first day of Diwali in solidarity, and indicated he will meet the chief minister after the festival.
  • Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleged that government resolutions so far total about Rs 1,800 crore, equating to roughly Rs 10,000 per hectare, with 253 talukas reported severely affected.
  • Opposition leaders said relief is confined to NDRF norms, many panchnamas remain unfinished, and some compensation for lost land may be spread over three years.
  • Procurement concerns persisted with cotton purchases yet to start pending CCI approval and weak soybean prices, as Uddhav Thackeray demanded an immediate Rs 1 lakh transfer and full loan waivers.