Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Thackeray Demands Maharashtra Drought Declaration, Special Legislative Session
Uddhav Thackeray says many farmers in Maharashtra are facing very difficult conditions.
He says crops have dried up, animals lack fodder and families are struggling with debt.
He wants the state government to officially declare a drought.
He also wants lawmakers to hold a special meeting to discuss help for farmers.
Thackeray says crop damage should be assessed immediately instead of waiting until after October 5.
He wants farmers to receive financial assistance within 40 to 45 days.
He also called for information about loan waivers and insurance payments to be made public.
The government has not provided a response in the article.
Uddhav Thackeray accused the Maharashtra government of mishandling severe agrarian distress and drought-like conditions.
He demanded an immediate two-to-three-day special legislative session on drought relief, drinking water and crop damage.
Thackeray called for drought to be officially declared based on ground conditions rather than disaster-fund criteria.
He sought transparency on the earlier Rs 31,000 crore package, farm-loan waiver beneficiaries and crop-insurance payouts.
He urged aid within 40 to 45 days, faster crop-loss assessments, a relief dashboard and measures to prevent farmer suicides.
- Who
- Uddhav Thackeray, president of Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Maharashtra government.
- What
- Thackeray demanded drought declaration, a special legislative session, faster farmer aid and greater transparency in relief programs.
- When
- Thursday; he also criticized plans to delay crop-loss assessments until after October 5.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including severely affected regions such as Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Vidarbha.
- Why
- Because of drought-like conditions, crop losses, depleted fodder, farmer debt and concerns about inadequate relief.
- Main demand
- Officially declare a state of drought based on ground conditions.
- Legislative action
- Convene a two-to-three-day special Maharashtra Legislative Assembly session.
- Requested payment timeline
- Disburse farmer assistance within 40 to 45 days without waiting for central funds.
- Earlier package
- Thackeray requested a report on how much of the previously announced Rs 31,000 crore package reached farmers.
- Loan waiver transparency
- Publish the complete list of beneficiaries under the current farm-loan waiver scheme.
- Crop insurance
- Investigate insurance companies that allegedly issued compensation cheques as low as Rs 5 or Rs 21.
- Additional measures
- Create a daily digital relief dashboard and plans addressing farmer suicides, employment and temporary shelter.