NCP MP Sunil Tatkare Meets PM Modi, Seeks Central Aid for Drought-Affected Maharashtra

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Sunil Tatkare met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday and sought central government assistance for Maharashtra’s drought-hit regions, citing the severity of the prevailing situation. Tatkare said he had met the Prime Minister and requested the Centre to extend the necessary support to areas affected by drought across the state.

The meeting comes a day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an expansion of the state’s drought declaration, covering 305 talukas instead of the previously identified 265. The state government has also announced a Diwali bonus of Rs 5,000 for farmers, with the money expected to be transferred directly to their bank accounts before the festival.

Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday, Fadnavis said the government had reviewed previous records and decided to provide relief earlier than in past years, when assistance was generally extended in December. Drought was declared in 265 talukas. Today, we have declared a drought in a total of 305 talukas,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the administration had accelerated the process to help farmers facing difficulties.

Fadnavis acknowledged that drought and crop losses had created financial challenges for farming families, making it difficult for many to manage household expenses during Diwali. Following discussions, the government decided to provide eligible farmers with a Rs 5,000 festive bonus before the celebrations begin.

He also said that loan-waiver assistance was being credited to beneficiaries’ accounts as part of the broader relief measures. According to the Chief Minister, the initiative is intended to offer timely financial support to farmers dealing with agricultural losses and economic hardship, allowing them to manage essential expenses during the festive season. Maharashtra had initially declared 265 of its 358 talukas across 32 districts as drought-affected. The latest expansion to 305 talukas reflects the state government’s wider assessment of the drought situation and its efforts to extend relief to more affected farming communities.