Sharad Pawar urges leaders to avoid flood visits as it may affect relief measures

“During the Latur earthquake, to avoid any hindrance in the Panchnama and relief work, I, as the Head of the State, stopped the visits of public representatives, and not only that, but also requested other leaders and the Hon’ble Prime Minister himself not to visit the earthquake-affected areas for a few days,” he stated.

Pawar’s remarks come at a time when all cabinet ministers are busy visiting flood-affected regions, with some facing the wrath of the local population.

Highlighting the losses caused by ongoing heavy rains, Pawar said, “Considering the extent of the losses suffered by farmers, it is necessary to immediately call in additional manpower and revenue, agriculture, irrigation and other government officials from other districts in the disaster-hit areas to complete the Panchnamas on time and start proper relief work.”

He recalled handling crises like the Mumbai bomb blasts and the Latur earthquake during his tenure. “The contribution of the government machinery was invaluable in rebuilding thousands of houses and families caught in such terrible crises,” he said.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress on Friday announced plans to hold state-wide protests on October 3, demanding an increased compensation package for farmers and the declaration of wet drought in the state.

“At a time when the farmer is suffering one of the worst crises, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is visiting Prime Minister to discuss Surjagad mining project in Gadchiroli. This is the height of shamelessness. He should return to Maharashtra only if he manages to get a bigger package for farmers, instead there is no need to return,” said Congress state president Harshavardhan Sapkal.