As CM Fadnavis promises all help to flood-hit people, Shinde draws fire over relief material kits

Speaking to reporters in Madha, Fadnavis said, “Yesterday, the state cabinet sanctioned more than Rs 2,000 crore assistance. We are going to help farmers, but at the same time, those whose houses have been damaged, whose grain and household items have been washed away, will also get full assistance. We will extend citizen-centric assistance. We will not point at the rulebook. Instead, we will relax norms wherever possible. Be it farmers, villagers or farm labourers, everyone will get assistance. I have already issued instructions to this effect.”

Be it businesses, fruit orchards, government offices or schools, all flood-hit places will get help, Fadnavis said, praising the National Disaster Response Force for its efforts during rescue operations. Fadnavis said the government was tackling the situation arising out of the floods on a war-footing. “Before Diwali, all flood-affected citizens will get compensation,” he said.

Asked about the demand to declare a ‘wet drought’, the chief minister said it was a colloquial term. “Those who have lost their home and hearth due to the floods and rain will get help,” he reiterated.

Fadnavis said extending immediate help was the government’s priority. “Farmers will get the assistance directly in their accounts. The central government will also extend help,” he said. He also spoke about how the effect of climate change was being felt in the region. “It is time we pay attention to this aspect,” he emphasised.

While the CM was laying emphasis on quick disposal of assistance in Solapur district, in neighbouring Dharashiv district his deputy, Eknath Shinde, and his party came under criticism over distribution of relief material kits carrying his photo as well as those of Sarnaik.

“Are they providing relief to the flood affected people or are they trying to gain mileage out of it? It is clear that Shinde and his men desperately want credit. They are trying to cash in on the plight of the farmers. Their intentions are not good, otherwise they would not have printed their photos on the relief material kit,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut.

Raj Thackeray-led MNS also criticised the Shiv Sena. “The Shinde-led Sena should feel ashamed. They didn’t feel anything while printing their photos on the relief material,” said MNS spokesperson Avinash Abhyankar.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar took a jibe at Shinde said, “The photos of Shinde and Sarnaik on the relief material for flood affected people are too small. In future, they should print the photos in bigger size…”

Shinde added that they have also sent a team of doctors. (Image: Express Photo)

In response, Shinde said, “Instead of raking up the issue of the photos, people should focus on what the relief material kit contains. They should think about the benefits of material inside the kit.” He said the relief material contains useful items like clothes, food, daily essentials, footwear and other material. We have sent 50-60 trucks with essential items and medicines to flood affected areas.” He added that they have also sent a team of doctors.

The BJP jumped to the defence of Shinde. “I do not have the exact information about the images of Shinde and Sarnaik on the relief material kit. I feel no one should advertise about relief distribution. Help should be extended without bothering about any gains like votes. This is not the time to get votes. It is our responsibility not to indulge in any kind of advertisement. Shinde is an emotional person. If out of this, if he has done anything, I have no idea,” said BJP leader and state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Shinde, Pawar echo Fadnavis

Shinde on Wednesday weighed in on the “huge loss” suffered by farmers, saying, “Not only is there crop loss, but even the soil has been washed away. It is a big tragedy. Standing firmly behind farmers, we will relax the norms for extending assistance.”

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also promised government assistance at the earliest. “The government will do whatever is possible from its end to rehabilitate those who have lost their houses. Farmers who have lost their crop and land will also get adequate compensation. Everyone who has been affected by the floods will get compensation. The government will be flexible when it comes to stiff norms,” he said.

Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, and Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore are also touring the Marathwada region.

On Wednesday, they visited Madha, Karmala, Barshi, Mohol and Mangalveda talukas of Solapur district.

NCP (SP) MP Bajrang Sonawane from Beed said the government should not think twice before extending assistance to those affected by the floods. “Our demand is that the government should give blanket assistance. Each and every one, be it those who have suffered huge losses or those who have suffered minimum losses, everyone should get help,” he said.