Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar has launched a blistering attack on the Maharashtra government, accusing it of unfairly forcing sugarcane farmers to foot the bill for flood relief through a new levy on sugar mills. The veteran politician’s sharp rebuke has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leaders rallying against what they call a "callous" policy, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defends it as a necessary measure to aid Marathwada’s flood-ravaged farmers.

Pawar’s criticism targets the state’s recent decision to impose a Rs 15 per tonne levy on sugarcane mills—Rs 10 for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) and Rs 5 specifically for farmers hit by devastating floods in Marathwada. “I’m stunned that the government is making sugarcane cultivators bear the cost of relief instead of stepping up itself,” Pawar declared in a statement. “I urge the state to reconsider this unjust levy, which adds insult to injury for farmers already grappling with challenges.” His remarks resonate with a growing chorus of dissent, including from farm leader Raju Shetti, Congress MLC Satej Patil, and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who slammed the policy as a “financial burden” on an already struggling agricultural sector.

The levy, announced last week, aims to provide immediate aid to families in Marathwada, where torrential rains and floods have destroyed crops, homes, and livelihoods. Official estimates suggest the region’s agricultural losses exceed Rs 2,000 crore, with thousands of farmers facing ruin. Yet, the decision to fund relief through sugar mills has sparked outrage among opposition leaders, who argue it indirectly squeezes farmers, as mills may pass costs down the supply chain. “This is a cruel irony—taxing one set of farmers to help another,” said Rohit Pawar, alleging the government is shirking its responsibility to tap state coffers or central aid.

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Chief Minister Fadnavis, speaking alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah at an event in Ahilyanagar, hit back at critics, insisting the levy targets mill profits, not farmers’ pockets. “Maharashtra’s 200 sugar mills will contribute roughly Rs 25 lakh each from their profits—hardly a burden for these prosperous entities,” he said. Fadnavis accused detractors of “deliberately misrepresenting” the policy for political gain, adding a pointed jab: “Some mills have been caught shortchanging farmers on tonnage. I’ll hold a mirror to their practices.” He emphasized that the funds would directly support Marathwada’s recovery, including rebuilding homes and compensating crop losses.

The controversy has lit up social media, with #MaharashtraLevy trending on X. Farmers’ unions and opposition supporters have shared stories of economic distress, with one user posting, “Sugar mills are already squeezing us dry—now this levy? Shame!” Meanwhile, BJP backers argue the government is balancing urgent relief with fiscal prudence, citing the state’s strained budget post-floods. Agriculture experts warn that the levy could disrupt the sugarcane industry, which employs over 10 lakh workers and contributes 20% to Maharashtra’s agricultural GDP. “Mills might cut procurement prices to offset costs, hitting farmers hardest,” noted economist Vijay Deshmukh.

As the debate rages, Pawar’s call for a policy U-turn has put the Eknath Shinde-led government on the defensive. With state elections looming, the levy row could sway rural voters, a crucial demographic in Maharashtra’s sugar belt. Will the government double down or bow to pressure? The answer may shape not just flood relief efforts but the state’s political landscape for years to come.

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