Correspondent, 26 October: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued strict directives to Shiv Sena ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, and office-bearers to stop wasting time on political allegations and counter-allegations. Instead, he ordered them to go directly to the fields of drought-affected farmers to provide assistance. Shinde appealed to the party leaders to stand firmly behind the farmers, from the initial application and panchnama stages until the government aid reaches their hands.
Addressing a meeting held via video conference, Shinde reminded party members of Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray's philosophy of "80 percent social work and 20 percent politics." Marking the occasion of the Dussehra rally, the Shiv Sena has dispatched 4,60,000 grain kits to 179 drought-hit talukas. Shinde instructed local office-bearers to take responsibility for ensuring that this assistance and essential commodities reach genuinely needy families. Noting the severe water scarcity, he added that the party is considering a plan to supply water tankers to villages.
Ministers and guardian ministers were told not to rely solely on meetings, but to conduct regular tours of the drought-affected regions under their care. Shinde directed them to visit farms, villages, and marketplaces to engage in direct dialogue with farmers, women, agricultural laborers, and livestock rearers. Acknowledging the grim circumstances, he noted that extreme thoughts such as suicide might enter the minds of many farmers. He urged Shiv Sainiks to intervene in time to stop them and provide much-needed courage.
To prevent any eligible farmer from missing out on assistance due to administrative delays or lack of documents, Shinde mandated that ministers review the administration's progress every 15 days. He instructed them to maintain a relief logbook and personally verify whether aid is reaching all areas. Leaders were asked to pay special attention to issues including crop damage, compensation, crop loan restructuring, electricity supply for agricultural pumps, employment, and drinking water.
Giving the highest priority to water, Shinde directed leaders to plan for the next 15 to 30 days by assessing tanker requirements and the current condition of wells and borewells. He also emphasized focusing on fodder, water, cattle camps, and veterinary facilities for livestock. During the drought period, he appealed to party members to divert resources toward relief operations rather than spending money on grand events, welcoming ceremonies, displays of power, large tents, and advertising.
Shinde announced that concrete administrative decisions will be made to halt the harassment of farmers by micro-finance companies, banks, and private moneylenders, instructing office-bearers to closely monitor the situation. He made it clear that aid must reach everyone, regardless of their political party, caste, or political views. He also indicated his readiness to present useful suggestions from office-bearers at the upcoming cabinet meeting and to write to the Central Government regarding national-level demands. Shinde expressed confidence that deploying the Shiv Sena's organizational network alongside the government machinery will undoubtedly provide significant relief to the farmers.
