Shinde meets PM Modi over Maharashtra drought, says Centre assures support for farmers

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday (October 5, 2026) and discussed the drought situation in Maharashtra, with Mr. Shinde saying the Centre had assured the State of support for farmers affected by the crisis.

The hour-long meeting focused on the situation facing farmers, including water availability, agricultural conditions and the availability of fodder for livestock, according to a statement issued by Mr. Shinde’s office.

Mr. Shinde said Mr. Modi sought details about the situation in Maharashtra and assured him that the Centre would extend necessary assistance. He expressed confidence that Maharashtra would receive substantial support considering the scale of the crisis.

“Farmers’ Diwali will not be marred by the drought crisis,” Mr. Shinde said, adding that the State government would stand firmly behind farmers during the difficult period.

Mr. Shinde said farmers currently receive ₹12,000 annually through financial assistance provided jointly by the Centre and the Maharashtra government. This includes ₹6,000 under the Centre’s farmer assistance scheme and another ₹6,000 through the State government’s Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana.

Referring to assistance extended to farmers following heavy rains last year, Mr. Shinde said the government would not hesitate to provide support when the agricultural community was facing distress.

“The farming community has the first right over the government treasury. When farmers are in distress, the government will not hold back assistance,” he said.

Mr. Shinde also criticised the Opposition, accusing it of focusing on marches, protests and allegations against Mr. Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah instead of raising substantive issues concerning the public.

The Deputy Chief Minister also spoke about the upcoming Legislative Council elections. He said the Mahayuti coordination committee had discussed Mangesh Chivte’s candidature from the Pune Teachers’ Constituency.

Mr. Shinde said his party had issued the AB Form to Mr. Chivte and that he would file his nomination on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).

Responding to a question on a possible Cabinet expansion, Mr. Shinde said Mr. Modi, as the principal leader of the National Democratic Alliance, would take an appropriate decision on the matter at the right time.