Maharashtra farmer aid sparks criticism from Congress

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced an interim financial aid of 5,000 rupees for drought-affected farmers to be distributed before Diwali.

Congress MP Balwant Wankhede has criticized the move, labeling the amount insufficient and a “mockery” of the farmers' struggles. Wankhede stated that 5,000 rupees is barely enough to purchase clothes for a child and does not compensate for the loss of crops and invested capital.

Additionally, Wankhede condemned the central government's decision to remove Jantar Mantar as an official protest site, calling it an attempt to suppress constitutional rights. He also criticized the police for detaining the parents of Ankita Bhandari during a peaceful protest at India Gate, describing the government's actions as dictatorial.