Athawale seeks Rs 15,000 Diwali aid for farmers, calls Rs 5,000 inadequate

Dharashiv, Oct 17 ( UNI) union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale has urged the Maharashtra government to increase its Diwali assistance for distressed farmers from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000, saying the amount is insufficient given the prevailing drought conditions and the financial hardships faced by the farming community. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for farmers affected by the prevailing crisis ahead of Diwali. However, the announcement has drawn criticism from several political leaders, including Athawale, whose party is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Athawale said farmers were facing severe…