Marathwada industrialists contribute Rs 6.18 crore towards drought relief
- Around 15,000 people attend historical play ‘Praudh Pratap Purandar’
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, November 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday assured farmers that the state government stood firmly by them amid the drought situation in Marathwada. He expressed gratitude to industrialists from the region for coming forward and contributing Rs 6.18 crore towards relief for drought-affected farmers.
Fadnavis was speaking at a historical play, ‘Praudh Pratap Purandar’, organised at Jabinda Ground on the Beed Bypass in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on November 1 by the Devendra Seva Mahotsav Committee to mark his birthday. He said the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would provide farmers with fresh inspiration and strength. The government was working in accordance with the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and remained firmly committed to supporting farmers, he added.
Social Justice Minister and Guardian Minister of the district Sanjay Shirsat, Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Minister Atul Save, MP Sandipan Bhumre, MLA Anuradha Chavan and MLA Narayan Kuche were among those present.
Jagadguru Shrimad Ramanandacharya Narendracharayaji, H.B.P. Bhaskargiri Maharaj, Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, Shri Mahant Shivaji Maharaj and H.B.P. Mahant Vishnu Maharaj Shastri also attended the programme.
Considering the drought situation in Marathwada, water scarcity, shortage of fodder and the difficulties faced by farmers, industrialists from the city pooled resources as part of their social responsibility. A cheque for Rs 6.18 crore collected through the initiative was handed over to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Fadnavis said the unity demonstrated by industrialists in coming forward to support farmers during this difficult period was significant.
He also urged people to draw inspiration from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, particularly his courage, self-respect, commitment to public welfare and concern for farmers. Recalling the circumstances of that era, he encouraged people to understand Shivaji Maharaj’s valour, struggles and the inspiration behind the establishment of Swarajya.
The Chief Minister said the government's approach was based on the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and that it would continue to stand firmly with farmers to help them overcome the crisis.
The historical play was written, directed and produced by Mahendra Vasantrao Rajemahadik. It received an enthusiastic response, with around 15,000 people attending the performance.
The Chief Minister watched the play along with his Cabinet colleagues.
The programme was organised on the initiative of Devendra Seva Mahotsav Committee Founder-President Rajendra Sable Patil. It highlighted the region's historical heritage while conveying a message of social responsibility and collective support. The contribution by industrialists towards drought relief was described as a symbol of social solidarity in Marathwada.
At the beginning of the programme, Chief Minister Fadnavis performed padyapujan of the Mahants representing various organisations. The Devendra Seva Committee also distributed 1,000 water tanks to drought-affected farmers and 500 sewing machines to support women's empowerment.
