Shinde says PM Modi assured Centre support for drought-hit Maharashtra farmers

An hour-long discussion in New Delhi examined water availability, agricultural conditions and fodder supplies as Maharashtra faces a drought situation.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (October 5, 2026), according to a statement issued by Mr. Shinde’s office.

The meeting focused on the situation facing farmers and the difficulties linked to the crisis, including the availability of water and fodder for livestock.

Mr. Shinde said Mr. Modi sought details about the situation in Maharashtra and assured him that the Centre would provide necessary assistance.

He expressed confidence that Maharashtra would receive substantial support, considering the scale of the crisis.

Centre’s assurance on farmer support

Mr. Shinde said the Centre’s assurance was aimed at supporting farmers affected by the drought crisis.

“Farmers’ Diwali will not be marred by the drought crisis,” Mr. Shinde said.

He added that the State government would stand firmly behind farmers during the difficult period.

The Deputy Chief Minister said farmers currently receive ₹12,000 annually through financial assistance provided jointly by the Centre and the Maharashtra government.

The assistance includes ₹6,000 under the Centre’s farmer assistance scheme and another ₹6,000 through the State government’s Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana.

Mr. Shinde also referred to assistance extended to farmers after heavy rains last year.

He said the government would not hesitate to provide support when the agricultural community was facing distress.

“The farming community has the first right over the government treasury. When farmers are in distress, the government will not hold back assistance,” he said.

Opposition criticised

Mr. Shinde criticised the Opposition, accusing it of concentrating on marches, protests and allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He said the Opposition was not focusing on substantive issues concerning the public.

The drought discussion comes alongside the State government’s existing financial assistance for farmers and its reference to earlier support provided after heavy rains.

Mr. Shinde’s comments indicated that the government intended to continue assistance while Maharashtra’s agricultural community faced distress.

Pune Teachers’ Constituency candidature

The Deputy Chief Minister also spoke about the upcoming Legislative Council elections.

He said the Mahayuti coordination committee had discussed Mangesh Chivte’s candidature from the Pune Teachers’ Constituency.

Mr. Shinde said his party had issued the AB Form to Mr. Chivte.

He added that Mr. Chivte would file his nomination on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).

Responding to a question about a possible Cabinet expansion, Mr. Shinde said Mr. Modi, as the principal leader of the National Democratic Alliance, would take an appropriate decision at the right time.

The meeting and Mr. Shinde’s subsequent remarks therefore covered both the immediate drought-related assistance sought for farmers and political matters before the State.

Source: The Hindu