Maharashtra Govt Draws Fire for Political Banners on Flood Aid Trucks
Politicians exploit flood relief for election gains, critics say.
Farmers' leader Raju Shetti and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut unleashed a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government on Wednesday, accusing it of shamelessly politicizing flood relief efforts in Dharashiv district. The controversy erupted after trucks delivering aid to flood-hit villages were spotted adorned with large banners featuring Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, district guardian minister Pratap Sarnaik, and the Shiv Sena symbol, raising concerns about exploiting a humanitarian crisis for political gain ahead of upcoming local body elections.
Torrential rains have ravaged Marathwada, including Dharashiv, over the past week, leaving countless families displaced and infrastructure in ruins. The government’s relief efforts, meant to provide solace to those affected, have instead sparked outrage due to the overt political branding on aid vehicles.
Shetti, a former MP and leader of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna, condemned the move as a superficial attempt to gain political mileage. “They’re not helping out of genuine concern but to boast about it,” he said. “This aid isn’t from their personal funds—everyone knows how they’ve amassed their wealth.”
Shetti further criticized the government’s actions as a betrayal of Maharashtra’s cultural values, which emphasize discreet acts of charity. “Parading their so-called help with banners is obscene, especially when the aid is woefully inadequate,” he added, highlighting the insensitivity of prioritizing publicity over meaningful support.
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Sanjay Raut echoed these sentiments, slamming the ruling Shiv Sena for its “heartless” approach. “People are dying, and you’re playing politics with saffron bags plastered with your photos and party symbols,” the Rajya Sabha member said. “This is not governance—it’s shameless opportunism in the face of tragedy.” He pointed to the widespread anguish among flood victims, who feel neglected by a government more focused on self-promotion than effective relief.
The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the ethics of disaster response in Maharashtra, with critics arguing that the government’s actions undermine public trust. As the state grapples with the aftermath of the floods, calls are growing for transparent, non-partisan aid distribution to ensure that relief reaches those in need without political strings attached.
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