Uddhav Thackeray Demands Special Session To Discuss Maharashtra Drought, Seeks Loan Waiver And Immediate Relief

Last Updated:September 24, 2026, 11:11 PM IST

Thackeray said the government must be held accountable on the floor of the House for its assurances and its response to the crisis.

The former CM questioned the government over the implementation of last year’s relief package, which was described as the “largest package in history” at ₹31,000 crore. (Photo: PTI File)

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded that the Maharashtra government convene a two- to three-day special session of the state legislature next week to discuss the worsening drought situation and the relief measures being implemented for farmers.

Thackeray said the government must be held accountable on the floor of the House for its assurances and its response to the crisis.

The former CM questioned the government over the implementation of last year’s relief package, which was described as the “largest package in history” at ₹31,000 crore. He asked the government to publicly disclose how much of the announced assistance actually reached farmers, particularly those whose agricultural land was washed away.

He also accused the government of failing to prepare for the drought despite warnings from weather agencies and international organisations about a possible “Super El Niño” and a deficient monsoon. He criticised visits by the Chief Minister and ministers to affected areas, alleging that some inspections lasted barely 10 minutes and were reduced to photo opportunities.

Among his key demands is a blanket farm loan waiver without restrictive conditions or excessive documentation. Thackeray said farmers who are unable to access fresh credit because they are classified as defaulters should not be left without support. He demanded that the state government provide a guarantee for farmers’ loans, similar to guarantees extended in other sectors. He also called for drought to be declared taluka-wise immediately, without waiting for procedural requirements or the formal application of NDRF and SDRF criteria.

According to Thackeray, the government should respond to ground realities rather than wait for administrative benchmarks to be met. Another major demand is a public, real-time drought relief dashboard. The portal, he said, should provide daily data on affected villages and farmers, crop-loss assessments, pending and disbursed compensation, drinking-water shortages, tanker deployment, fodder availability and the number of farmers who have received loan relief.

Thackeray further demanded that cabinet meetings be held in Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Vidarbha, bringing the government closer to the affected regions. He said guardian ministers should remain in their districts and oversee drought-relief operations rather than limiting their role to ceremonial events. He also asked the state government to provide direct financial assistance to affected farmers within 40 to 45 days, without waiting for central assistance.

Calling for immediate fodder camps and drinking-water arrangements for livestock, Thackeray said drought relief must address the needs of cattle as well as farmers. He also demanded that government expenditure on events, publicity and projects that can be deferred be curtailed and the funds redirected towards drought relief.

With the drought situation emerging as a fresh political flashpoint in Maharashtra, Thackeray’s demands put the onus on the state government to move beyond announcements and demonstrate measurable relief on the ground. His call for a special session also seeks to bring the government’s drought response under legislative scrutiny, with the opposition demanding clear answers on compensation, loan relief, water availability and fodder arrangements.

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What specific legislative actions did Uddhav Thackeray demand regarding Maharashtra’s drought?

Uddhav Thackeray demanded that the Maharashtra government convene a two- to three-day special session of the state legislature next week to address the worsening drought crisis and hold the administration accountable. Additionally, he called for cabinet meetings to be held directly in affected regions like Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Vidarbha.

What accountability questions did Thackeray raise regarding previous drought relief packages?

Thackeray questioned how much of the previous year’s ₹31,000 crore relief package—hailed as the largest in history—actually reached farmers whose lands were washed away. He demanded public disclosure on past fund distribution and pressed for information on how current loan waivers and crop insurance schemes are being implemented.

What key relief measures has Thackeray demanded for farmers and livestock affected by the drought?

Thackeray demanded a blanket farm loan waiver without restrictive conditions, state loan guarantees for defaulters, and immediate taluka-wise drought declarations bypassing bureaucratic norms. He also called for a real-time public relief dashboard, direct financial assistance within 40 to 45 days, and immediate arrangements for drinking water and fodder camps for livestock.

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Mayuresh Ganapaty

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @…Read More

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