# Maharashtra drought relief and political controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maharashtra-drought-relief-and-political-controversy > Updated: 2026-10-24T12:08:12.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. The Maharashtra government has initiated relief efforts for farmers affected by drought, though these measures have faced significant political scrutiny. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced interim financial aid of 5,000 rupees per farmer to be distributed before Diwali. This amount was criticized by Congress MP Balwant Wankhede, who described the sum as a “mockery” of the farmers' struggles, noting it fails to compensate for lost crops and capital. Internal tensions within the ruling alliance have also emerged following allegations by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil. An audio clip released by Patil allegedly claims that ₹500 crore was routed through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde to influence or suppress the Maratha reservation agitation ahead of the 2024 state assembly elections. Shrikant Shinde has denied the allegations, questioning the logistics of transporting such a massive amount of cash, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also denied involvement. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has called for an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate. In response, Chief Minister Fadnavis has ordered a forensic examination of the audio clip to verify its authenticity, while Jarange Patil has maintained the recording is real and called for a high-level probe. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Maharashtra political row erupts over alleged ₹500 crore payment A political row has broken out in Maharashtra after an audio clip allegedly links MP Shrikant Shinde to a ₹500 crore payment intended to influence Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eknath-shinde-directs-party-to-assist-drought-hit-farmers-amid-financial-controversy ### 2026-10-15: Maharashtra farmer aid sparks criticism from Congress Congress MP Balwant Wankhede has slammed the Maharashtra government's 5,000 rupee interim aid for drought-hit farmers as insufficient and a mockery of their hardships. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-farmer-aid-sparks-criticism-from-congress --- Cite as: Maharashtra drought relief and political controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maharashtra-drought-relief-and-political-controversy