Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a whirlwind visit to Shirdi, Maharashtra, today, to address the devastating impact of unseasonal heavy rainfall that has ravaged the state’s agricultural heartland. Meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar late Saturday night in a Shirdi hotel, Shah held a 45-minute discussion focused on urgent financial relief for farmers grappling with extensive crop losses. The leaders also reviewed ongoing development projects and critical administrative issues, according to BJP sources.

The recent deluge has damaged over 60 lakh hectares of farmland across multiple districts, triggering widespread calls for government intervention. Shah, addressing a farmers’ rally in Ahilyanagar district, assured that the Modi government would provide comprehensive support once a detailed damage report is submitted. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not delay extending help to Maharashtra’s farmers," Shah declared, highlighting the Centre’s commitment. He noted that Rs 3,132 crore has already been disbursed from last year’s aid, including Rs 1,631 crore in April 2025, while the state government has provided Rs 2,215 crore, aiding over 31 lakh farmers.

The Maharashtra government has rolled out immediate relief measures, including Rs 10,000 cash assistance and 35 kg of foodgrains per flood-affected family, suspension of loan repayments, relaxed e-KYC norms, and waivers on revenue tax and school fees. Shah emphasized these steps as part of a broader strategy to alleviate farmers’ distress.

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Earlier in the day, Shah offered prayers at the iconic Saibaba temple in Shirdi, joined by Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar. He also inaugurated statues of Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil, a pioneer in Maharashtra’s cooperative sector, and former Union minister Dr. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, during an event at the expanded Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Cooperative Sugar Factory. The visit underscored the Centre’s focus on both spiritual and economic support for the state.

With farmers facing unprecedented losses, Shah’s assurances and the promised relief package signal hope for Maharashtra’s agricultural community, as the state and Centre work together to address the crisis.

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