Shiv Sena's Saamna hits out at Maharashtra Governor, Centre over farmer compensation row

Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamna in an editorial, on Monday, November 18, criticised the relief provided by the Central government to the distressed farmers for untimely rains in Maharashtra. They touched various topics relating to farmers, including insurance, relief, commencement of rabi crops and other issues. The editorial also took a dig at the ruling party by saying, both Centre and State are within their control and they should thus increase the compensation being provided to the distressed farmers.  

Shiv Sena’s editorial targets the Governor 

The opinion piece of the newspaper, Saama starts by hitting out at the Governor, as it says that the farmers of the state would have expected that our 'Raja' named Governor would be liberal and provide a 'big' package for us. The whole article amidst raising the farmer issue brings up the Governor in a few places. The article also says that the Governor is within the grip of the central government. In a part of the article, the editorial also asserts that it is the Centre that is not allowing for a government to be formed in Maharashtra.  

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Editorial on farmer issues 

The editorial also highlights that the compensation announced for the farmers is insufficient. The article says that more than 10 million farmers have suffered a setback because of the rains and assistance of four thousand rupees per hectare is not enough. The article also underlines that Rs 4,000 per hectare comes up to a “mere” Rs 60 per case.  

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The editorial also complains that the government is doing nothing about the insurance companies not accepting late Panchnamas. The article also emphasises on the point that the fishermen have also suffered a setback.  The tourism business of Konkan has also been adversely affected.  Thus, the editorial adds that it is necessary to get immediate financial support from the government regarding these issues as well.  

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Giving away a subtle hint of the forthcoming alliance between NCP and Shiv Sena, the article also says that NCP supremo, Sharad Pawar has also been visiting the farmers in the state. Comparing the announced compensation to cumin in the mouth of a camel they also juxtaposed the farmer situation in Maharashtra to their situation during the time of British rule in India. Lastly, the editorial says, if the 105 BJP candidates in Maharashtra have self-respect should go ahead and criticise the small amount given as relief to the farmers, as both centre and Rajbhawan is theirs.  

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