“Shiv Sena (UBT) protests against Mahayuti govt aid package for farmers, calls it “misleading”

Shiv Sena (UBT) held “Hambarda (emotional outcry)“ rallies in several districts of Maharashtra on Wednesday (October 8, 2025), protesting against the recently announced State government’s financial aid package for rain-hit farmers. 

During the protests in districts such as Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Nashik, and others, the Shiv Sena (UBT) demanded compensation of ₹50,000 per hectare for farmers, a complete loan waiver, bringing in previous crop insurance criteria, and financial compensation for houses and livestock. The protests were held in front of the collector’s office in several districts, and appeal letters were submitted to the District Collectors. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders called the package “misleading” and the government setting a “fake narrative” among farmers. 

In one of the protests in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve claimed that if the package is disbursed, the farmers will hardly receive ₹1000 TO ₹1200 per hectare as the allotted aid is just ₹6500 crores for crop damage over 68 lakhs hectares of land. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut called the package “inadequate” and questioned how the government will raise the funds when it is under huge debt. 

After the State government announced a package of ₹31,628 crore for flood-affected farmers on Tuesday (October 7, 2025), the Opposition has criticised the government for not doing enough and setting a “fake narrative” of huge packages. Post-cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the total assistance of approximately ₹47,000 per hectare. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the tally of the package does not offer adequate help. 

Mr. Danve claimed, “The government announced a big number, but when we bifurcate it, the help is meagre. The package is inclusive of already released compensation of ₹2200 crores, NDRF funds ₹6175 crores, ₹5000 crores of insurance taken out by farmers, ₹10,000 crores for fundamental facilities, ₹1753 crores for living and dead loss, and ₹6500 crores for crop damage. This means the government is only giving ₹6500 crores to farmers; the rest is from NDRF, insurance.”

Speaking to the media, he highlighted that when a State like Punjab, which has a budget of 2 lakh crores, can announce ₹50000 per hectare, then why can’t Maharashtra, which has a budget of ₹8.5 lakh crores. He also called MNREGA’s status is poor, and the dues are already pending. “How will the government make such payments? This package is misleading,” he asserted. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) allies Congress and NCP (SP) also called the relief package “hollow” and asked for something “substantial”. NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule questioned, “If the government is willing to waive off the loan as they say, then why ifs and buts. They should show generosity and agility, and set the same mechanism used for transferring money for the Ladki Bahin scheme during elections.” 

On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut pointed out that the State has a debt of ₹9 lakh crores, so how will it raise ₹31,000 crore? 

Shiv Sena (UBT) to hold another protest on October 11 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar if the demands are not fulfilled.