“What will happen in Rs 5,000?” Thackeray asked reporters after meeting party workers and office-bearers from rural areas to review the drought situation across Maharashtra.
In a post on X, Thackeray said he had held detailed discussions with party colleagues about conditions in drought-affected regions, farmers' problems and the difficulties confronting rural residents. He said the meeting in Mumbai focused on the seriousness of the situation and the challenges facing communities affected by drought.
“The state government has declared drought in 325 talukas of Maharashtra, and today in Mumbai, I met with my office-bearer colleagues from the rural areas and took a detailed review of this serious situation. On this occasion, discussions were held on the situation in the drought-affected areas, the problems faced by farmers, and the difficulties troubling the rural populace,” he said.
MNS Chief Announces Post-Diwali Tour of Drought-Hit Areas
Thackeray announced that he would tour drought-affected areas after Diwali to examine conditions on the ground and assess the difficulties faced by farmers and rural residents.
He alleged that successive measures had failed to deliver lasting solutions to recurring water scarcity. According to Thackeray, several regions were struggling to secure even basic drinking water supplies, raising concerns about the severity of the crisis.
The MNS chief warned that the situation could lead to serious food and water shortages if effective measures were not implemented. He said the proposed tour would help him assess the extent of the crisis and understand the needs of affected communities.
His announcement comes amid concerns over crop losses, water availability and the adequacy of government assistance in drought-affected parts of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Government Announces Rs 5,000 Advance Relief
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on October 14 that the state government would provide an initial payment of Rs 5,000 to eligible drought-hit farmers ahead of Diwali. The assistance is intended to offer immediate financial relief while the broader assessment and administrative process for drought compensation continues.
The government said drought had been declared in 305 of Maharashtra's 358 talukas after 40 additional talukas were added to the earlier list of 265. The relief measures also include concessions related to crop loans, land revenue, electricity bills and education fees for farmers' children.
Thackeray questioned whether the initial payment would adequately address the extent of agricultural losses and the immediate needs of farming families. Opposition leaders and farmers' organisations have also criticised the amount, arguing that it is insufficient to compensate for crop damage and rising expenses.
The differing figures cited in the reports highlight the need to distinguish between the government's announced drought declaration and Thackeray's statement that 325 talukas had been declared drought-affected.
Water Scarcity Raises Concerns Across Rural Maharashtra
Thackeray said the government needed to prioritise long-term solutions to recurring water shortages rather than relying solely on financial assistance. He warned that worsening conditions could increase the hardship faced by farming families and other rural residents.
Water availability, crop losses and the delivery of relief have emerged as key concerns for the state administration amid the drought. The government has said it is extending drought-relief concessions and taking steps to protect drinking-water supplies in affected regions.
Thackeray's planned post-Diwali tour is expected to focus on assessing these challenges and reviewing the requirements of communities dealing with the consequences of drought. His criticism has also brought renewed attention to whether the announced financial assistance can adequately address the immediate needs of affected farmers.
Raj Thackeray Questions Viral Audio Clip Involving Manoj Jarange
Thackeray also responded to a question about an audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange. The recording allegedly contains a conversation about a Rs 500-crore payment involving Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde.
Jarange has alleged that a conspiracy was hatched to silence him and weaken his agitation for Maratha reservation. He released the clip after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde challenged him to substantiate his claim that Rs 500 crore had been secured from the BJP and routed through his son, Shrikant Shinde.
महाराष्ट्रातील ३२५ तालुक्यांमध्ये राज्य सरकारने दुष्काळ जाहीर केला असून, या गंभीर परिस्थितीचा आज मुंबईत ग्रामीण भागातील माझ्या पदाधिकारी सहकाऱ्यांशी भेटून सविस्तर आढावा घेतला. यावेळी दुष्काळग्रस्त भागांतील परिस्थिती, शेतकऱ्यांच्या समस्या आणि ग्रामीण जनतेला भेडसावणाऱ्या अडचणींवर चर्चा केली. याचदरम्यान पत्रकारांशी संवाद साधत दुष्काळाच्या प्रश्नासह राज्यातील इतर राजकीय घडामोडींवरही भूमिका मांडली.
— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) October 23, 2026
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the audio recording would undergo forensic examination to assess its authenticity.
Thackeray questioned the origin and authenticity of the recording, adding another political dimension to the controversy. The issue has emerged alongside his criticism of the state's drought-relief measures and the challenges confronting rural Maharashtra.
With farmers facing concerns over crop losses, drinking-water availability and financial pressures, Thackeray's proposed tour after Diwali is intended to provide a closer assessment of conditions in drought-affected areas. The adequacy of the government's initial Rs 5,000 payment and the response to recurring water shortages remain central issues in the debate over relief for affected communities.
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