Prakash Ambedkar-led VBA observes ‘black’ Diwali in Jalna over drought crisis

Jalna:  The Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) on Sunday observed what it described as a “black” Diwali in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, alleging the government failed to address the drought in the state.

VBA members assembled outside the district collector’s office and ate traditional ‘bajra bhakri’ and chutney to register their protest on Diwali.

Irregular rainfall and inadequate government planning had resulted in severe drought conditions across the state, leaving farmers, agricultural labourers, small landholders and rural workers in distress, the party said.

Crops had withered, while shortages of drinking water and cattle fodder had further aggravated the situation, the protesters said.

The party’s district chief David Ghumare said the government’s financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per farmer was inadequate and questioned what relief was being provided to landless agricultural labourers and others dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

“That’s why we observed a black Diwali today,” he said.

He also targeted the BJP-controlled Jalna City Municipal Corporation, alleging that it had failed to ensure regular drinking water supply to city residents despite spending crores of rupees on the Jayakwadi-Jalna water supply scheme.

Ghumare alleged that instead of declaring drought, providing immediate relief to affected farmers and announcing a complete loan waiver, the state government was busy organising political events and celebrations.