Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Sapkal Urges Opposition Consultation and Immediate Maharashtra Drought Relief
Maharashtra has officially declared a drought, but Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal said farmers still need help quickly.
He said he saw crops drying up and farmers feeling discouraged during his visit.
He asked the government to set up places for cattle and supplies of fodder.
He also called for financial help for affected farmers and a complete waiver of their loans.
Sapkal said opposition parties should be included in discussions about how to respond.
He asked for jobs for farm workers in their own villages so they would not have to leave to find work.
He also criticized unfinished water projects in Jalgaon district.
Separately, he alleged corruption related to spending for the Nashik Kumbh Mela and called for a detailed public account of drought spending.
Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal said Maharashtra’s declared drought requires immediate relief for farmers.
He called for cattle camps, fodder depots, ₹1 lakh per hectare for affected farmers, and a complete loan waiver.
Sapkal said opposition parties had not been consulted and urged the government to meet them on drought measures.
He called for work for farm labourers in their villages and for highway funds to be redirected to drought relief.
During a visit to Jalgaon, he also alleged ₹36,000 crore in corruption linked to the Nashik Kumbh Mela and sought a white paper on drought-related spending.
- Who
- Harshvardhan Sapkal, Maharashtra Congress state president, and the state government.
- What
- Sapkal called for urgent drought relief, opposition consultation, and a public account of drought spending.
- When
- During Sapkal’s tour of Vidarbha and Khandesh, including his visit to Jalgaon; no date is stated.
- Where
- Jalgaon district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Sapkal said drought was damaging crops and leaving farmers and farm labourers in need of assistance.
- Drought status
- The Maharashtra government has officially declared a drought.
- Requested farmer assistance
- ₹1 lakh per hectare for all affected farmers.
- Other relief requested
- A complete loan waiver, cattle camps, and fodder depots.
- Farm labourers
- Sapkal called for ex-gratia payments and village-based employment.
- Opposition consultation
- Sapkal urged the government to convene a meeting with opposition parties.
- Allegation concerning Kumbh spending
- Sapkal alleged ₹36,000 crore in corruption linked to the Nashik Kumbh Mela.
- Requested disclosure
- Sapkal called for a white paper detailing drought-related expenditures.