Shah seeks report on Maha flood damage

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday directed the BJP-led Mahayuti government of Maharashtra to submit a detailed report on the damage caused by recent floods in Marathwada and other parts of the state. He said the Centre would announce a relief package for the state once the report was received.

“Once the report comes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce the relief package without any delay,” Shah said at a function in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar (erstwhile Ahmednagar), where Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present.

Shah noted that floods and excess rainfall had caused widespread damage to crops and homes. “Crop on more than 60 lakh hectares of farmland has been damaged. The Central Government has already given Rs 3,132 crore to the state government as part of its share for 2025-26. Of these, Rs 1,631 crore was given in April,” he added.

He said the Maharashtra government was also taking steps to assist flood-affected farmers. “Maharashtra Government has already released Rs 2,215 crore in assistance. The government has also directed banks to stop collecting loan EMIs from farmers for a few months,” Shah said.

Speaking about the meeting with state leaders, he added, “I was invited here to inaugurate the statue of Dr Vithalrao Vikhe-Patil… And I was asked at a meeting as to what help the Central Government will extend to flood-affected Maharashtra. I promised the CM that the Central Government will extend all help, but the state government should send a detailed report about the loss suffered by the people. Prime Minister Modi will ensure that there is not even a small delay in extending the help… This is because the people of Maharashtra have elected a government which is working for the interest of farmers.”

Praising the work of sugar baron Vithalrao Vikhe-Patil, Shah said at the sugar factory launch, “Today, I am in Pravanagar. This area has a special significance as it is the home of the cooperative sector. This is because of stalwarts like Dr Vitthalrao Vikhe-Patil, who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the farmers.”