"40 lakh farmers suffered losses, where is government?": Sanjay Raut on flooding in Marathwada

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 24 (ANI): Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday lambasted the Mahayuti government amid destruction caused by heavy rains and flooding in Marathwada region of Maharashtra, stating that nearly 40 lakh farmers have suffered losses.
Addressing a press conference, Raut stated that 11 districts in the Marathwada region have suffered massive damage, resulting in the "washing away" of approximately seven lakh acres of agricultural land.
"Where is the government? The government has about Rs 10 lakh crore of debt. So, how will it extend any help?" Raut said, adding, "The entire Marathwada region, which comprises 11 districts, has faced massive damage. Around 70 lakh acres of agricultural land have been washed away. About 40 lakh farmers have suffered losses. They have lost their livestock, crops, houses and everything else."
Apprising the reporters about UBT Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's scheduled visit to the flood-affected region, the Rajya Sabha MP criticised "the people" of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for playing politics in the name of offering help to those affected.
"Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded that PM Narendra Modi should extend Rs 10,000 crore of immediate relief, otherwise Marathwada will be completely destroyed. But what are a few people and ministers of the government doing? They are attempting to offer help by pasting photos and symbols of their party on the relief packets. Politics is being done here, too, by the people of Shinde. This is not right. Uddhav Thackeray will visit tomorrow, assess and then speak," Raut said.
The continuous heavy rainfall across several districts of Maharashtra has led to flooding, prompting the deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Beed, Dharashiv, and Solapur districts.
As this happened, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday visited Darfal village in Solapur to assess the flood situation.
Continuous heavy rainfall in several districts has triggered flood-like situations, compelling extensive rescue and relief operations. The NDRF has been actively engaged in Beed, Dharashiv, and Solapur districts since Monday night.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited flood-affected areas in Solapur, inspected the damaged crops, and interacted with the farmers. He directed local authorities to ensure quick relief and support for those impacted by the heavy rains.
The Maharashtra government has announced a Rs 1,339 crore assistance package for farmers whose crops were damaged due to heavy rains between June 2025 and August 2025, according to government sources. (ANI)