Celebrates Diwali with a farmer's family in Bhilpuri; takes responsibility for education and marriage of Ambadas Tangde's daughter
Jalna, November 2026 : Despite the drought situation in Maharashtra, farmers should not lose hope. The state government stands firmly behind them and will provide all necessary assistance in a phased manner. Farmers will not be left to fend for themselves under any circumstances, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured them during his visit to Bhilpuri village in Jalna taluka.
Shinde visited the home of Ambadas Tangde, a drought-affected farmer in Bhilpuri, and celebrated Diwali with his family. During the visit, he interacted with the family to understand the condition of their agricultural land, their financial difficulties and the assistance being provided by the government.
He also shared a traditional rural meal with the family, comprising besan, bajra bhakri, homemade thecha and chutney.
Speaking on the occasion, Shinde said he too belonged to a farming family and therefore felt as though he was visiting his own home rather than someone else's.
He said farmers were facing a major crisis and that everyone in society needed to extend a helping hand during this difficult period.
The government has decided to provide immediate relief of Rs 5,000 as advance assistance to drought-affected farmers, and the amount has already been credited to the bank accounts of many beneficiaries, he said.
He added that following the declaration of drought, the government was implementing a 12-point relief package. Farmers would benefit from measures including compensation for crop losses, restructuring of crop loans, suspension of coercive loan recovery, concessions in educational fees and arrangements for drinking water.
Ambadas Tangde owns just one acre of agricultural land, on which the livelihood of his family depends. His family comprises his wife, Mandabai, two daughters, a son and his mother.
After understanding the family's circumstances, Shinde interacted with Tangde's daughter. When he learnt that she aspired to become a police officer, he announced that he would take complete responsibility for her education as well as her marriage.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced a decision to collect information about families in drought-affected areas whose daughters' marriages had been arranged and organise a mass marriage ceremony for them.
He said several initiatives were being undertaken to support farmers' families. These include providing sewing machines to women to promote self-employment, bicycles to girl students and Diwali ration kits to needy families.
The government is planning measures to ensure the availability of drinking water, water for livestock, fodder and foodgrains in drought-affected areas until the next monsoon, Shinde said.
He also stated that the Union Government would extend support to drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra.
Emphasising that farmers had the first claim on the government's treasury, he said the government would leave no stone unturned in providing them with assistance.
He urged farmers not to lose courage during the crisis and appealed to them against taking any extreme steps.
On the occasion of Bhau Beej, Mandabai Tangde performed the traditional aarti of Deputy Chief Minister Shinde. Shinde subsequently presented clothes to all members of the Tangde family.
In return, Mandabai gifted him 10 kg of jowar, 10 kg of bajra and a portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Ambadas Tangde expressed satisfaction that a senior leader holding a key position in the government had visited his home to enquire about the family's well-being and share their joys and sorrows.
Later, at the Mahadev temple premises in Maujpuri village, Shinde interacted with farmers, agricultural labourers and women. He listened to their problems and distributed Diwali snacks and ration kits while honouring the women.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, MP Sandipan Bhumre, MLA Arjun Khotkar and MLA Hikmat Udhan were among the dignitaries present. A large number of farmers, women and villagers also attended the programme.
