States » WestPosted at: Sep 19 2026 4:56PM


Maha: Cashew-almond snacks served at drought meeting triggers political storm; Fadnavis stresses sensitivity

Nagpur, Sep 19 (UNI) A political storm broke out in Maharashtra today after a video circulating on social media purportedly showed ministers, public representatives and senior government officials consuming dry fruits during a drought review meeting in Nanded, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and sections of the public.
The meeting, held at the District Planning Hall, was convened to review drought conditions, crop damage and water scarcity issues affecting the Marathwada region. The viral footage triggered allegations that the administration was insensitive to the hardships being faced by farmers amid the worsening agrarian crisis.
Reacting to the controversy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the serving of dry fruits at official meetings was a customary administrative practice but stressed that authorities must exercise caution and sensitivity during times of crisis.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said no one does this intentionally to mock the drought situation , but acknowledged that officials should remain mindful of public sentiment while conducting review meetings related to crises affecting citizens.
Oppositions strongly criticised the government over the incident, alleging that the administration was not treating the drought situation with the seriousness it deserved.
They demanded that the state government convene a special session of the Maharashtra legislature to discuss the drought situation and formulate immediate relief measures for affected farmers.
Meanwhile, outlining the government's response to the drought-like conditions, Fadnavis said ministers have been assigned district-wise responsibilities to conduct field assessments and monitor the situation closely.
He said crop loss surveys and preliminary assessments would be completed within a week to facilitate timely financial assistance to affected farmers.
The Chief Minister also stated that the farm loan waiver process was moving ahead and that three beneficiary lists had already been released, while the remaining lists were being prepared on priority.
Fadnavis said the government had also activated contingency measures under its fodder development programme to ensure adequate fodder and drinking water supplies in severely affected areas.
To protect standing crops, additional electricity is being supplied to farmers during evening hours, including in regions dependent on single-phase power connections where irrigation through existing wells remains possible, he said.
The Chief Minister further noted that water stored in major reservoirs is being conserved primarily for drinking purposes to avoid shortages in regions dependent on smaller dams and rapidly declining water sources.
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