The Maharashtra unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday sharply criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, accusing him of indulging in "empty talk" while Mahayuti coalition leaders actively support farmers impacted by the recent floods in Marathwada. Navnath Ban, state BJP media chief, highlighted the contrast between Raut’s inaction and the hands-on efforts of Mahayuti ministers in addressing the crisis.

Heavy rainfall has battered Marathwada and other parts of Maharashtra over the past few days, causing extensive damage to crops and livestock. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis toured Solapur and Latur, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar worked in the field since early morning, and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde visited Dharashiv, Ban claimed Raut "prefers to remain in Mumbai and does not see the tears of farmers." Additionally, minister Pankaja Munde was reported to be assessing the situation in Jalna and Beed.

Ban contrasted the current government’s response with that of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that during Thackeray’s tenure, "farmers were met on carpets," while Mahayuti leaders are now "standing in the mud alongside them." He further accused Thackeray of being reluctant to visit flood-affected areas, remarking, "If it were a trip to London, he would have left on the first day. Foreign tours attract him, not farmers’ suffering."

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The BJP leader also highlighted the government’s relief efforts, stating that 32 lakh farmers have received ₹2,500 crore in direct bank transfers as part of the first phase of assistance. "This is the first instalment. More help will follow in the second phase, with no eligibility conditions—every farmer who has suffered losses will get assistance," Ban assured.

Targeting Raut further, Ban referenced the MP’s alleged involvement in a money laundering case linked to the Patra Chawl redevelopment project, from which ₹1,000 crore was reportedly siphoned off. "If you really care for farmers, use some of that money for those in Marathwada," Ban challenged, adding that Raut’s focus remains on securing the leader of the opposition post for Shiv Sena (UBT) rather than addressing farmers’ distress.

Ban also criticized Raut’s understanding of agricultural issues, quipping that the parliamentarian "understands land plots, not farming." He alleged that Raut’s interests lie in "grabbing plots in Alibaug" and engaging in politics centered on land and builders, rather than empathizing with farmers’ struggles. Ban noted that, except for MLA Omraje Nimbalkar, no other Sena (UBT) legislators were actively supporting farmers on the ground.

The BJP’s remarks underscore the ongoing political rivalry in Maharashtra as the state grapples with the aftermath of devastating floods. While Mahayuti leaders emphasize their commitment to farmers, the opposition faces scrutiny for its perceived detachment from the crisis.

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