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Journalism of Courage
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said Friday that the financial assistance announced by the Maharashtra Government for farmers affected by the recent heavy rains in the state is inadequate, and will not help them recover their losses.
Pawar also said the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) will not celebrate the first day of Diwali Friday in solidarity with the affected farmers in the state.
“Disaster strikes… but those in power in the state and at the Centre have the responsibility to provide help to those in trouble and get them out of the situation. The state government has declared a meagre amount for a few people. But the extent and nature of the damage are huge, and the farmers don’t feel that the meagre amount will get them out of the crisis. The farmers are angry with the state government,” he said.
“The main reason is that many districts of Maharashtra witnessed very heavy rainfall in the last month. At a few places, it was flooding, and at others, it was heavy flooding. Not only were the farms destroyed, but the soil was washed away as well. Thus, the affected farmer is very disturbed. Farming is everything for a farmer, and if everything is lost, then how will he celebrate Diwali? So, our organisation has decided to join the farmers in their sorrow,” he said.
“My thinking on the issue is different. I don’t want to bring politics into this, but we should all come together and do everything possible to bring the suffering farmers out of the crisis. Those in power and a few others tried to provide help to farmers, but the help of the state government is without open hand,” he added.
On the meeting with farmers of Purandar opposing the proposed international airport, the NCP(SP) chief said, “The main demand of farmers of Purandar is to change the site of proposed international airport but the decision cannot be taken by me or officers it has to be taken by the Union Government..”
Wherever the airport has to be developed, Pawar said the farmers will have to part with their land. “It is their likely rehabilitation as well as compensation that has created restlessness in them. So, the opposition is also there,” he said, adding he assured the farmers that no one can acquire land illegally for the proposed airport.
“If the airport has to be developed, then the farmers cannot be destroyed by snatching their land, but proper compensation, as well as alternative land, has to be provided to them. I have assured them of taking up the issue with the chief minister and guardian minister, urging them to call a meeting with farmers to resolve the concerns,” said Pawar.
The veteran leader said he will meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after Diwali to discuss the issue.
On the Bihar Assembly elections, the NCP(SP) chief said that his party alliance partners are unhappy with what is happening in that state. “There is misuse of power and a lot of problems in the electoral roll. We will take up the issue with the Election Commission of India, and let’s hope they will take a proper decision,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Pawar family has also cancelled this year’s annual Diwali festival celebration in Baramati, citing the death of a senior family member. “The function of visitors reaching Baramati to meet Sharad Pawar has also been cancelled,” NCP(SP) working president Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, said recently.
