Drought Stares
Until 2024, paddy cultivators received a bonus of Rs20,000 per hectare. Because bKS is affiliated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh while Maharashtra is governed by BJP-led coalition, the planned agitation has attracted attention. Nagpur: As Maharashtra govt works on war footing to assess crop losses caused by erratic monsoon amid mounting opposition protests, an RSS-affiliated farmers’ organisation has announced a major tractor rally in eastern Vidarbha’s Bhandara district next month to press for financial assistance for farmers.
“Everything should not be viewed through a political lens,” said BKS Bhandara district general secretary Dinesh Kapgate. The payments were subsequently stopped, and given the present circumstances, farmers urgently need that support,” he said. However, BKS leaders insist the protest is driven solely by farmers’ concerns. “This is about farmers and a promise made to them long ago.
Responding to questions about whether the issue could have been resolved through discussions with BJP ministers, Kapgate said the organisation had repeatedly approached both govt officials and elected representatives. That is why we have decided to organise a tractor rally to the tehsil office, where we will once again submit our demands,” he said. “We submitted representations to the authorities and public representatives. During the Budget session, MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar raised the issue and the govt assured us that payments would be made, but nothing has happened so far.
The rally is expected to feature around 1,000 tractors, with farmers arriving from Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts, according to BKS.
“We chose Sakoli because it is home to a revered temple that commands deep faith and respect among local farmers,” said Kapgate, himself a resident of the town. Chief minister Fadnavis has said once the survey is completedthe Mahayuti govt will take an “appropriate” decision on relief measures for affected farmers. Maharashtra govt is currently conducting a statewide crop damage assessment.