Maharashtra Drought Row: Fadnavis Government Faces Questions Over 265-Taluka List

Mumbai | September 30, 2026

The Maharashtra government is facing political pressure over its decision to declare 265 of the state's 358 talukas as drought-affected. The announcement has led to questions from some leaders within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, while the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has alleged that the selection of drought-hit areas requires greater transparency.

The controversy centres on both the inclusion and exclusion of different talukas from the government's drought notification. Some constituencies represented by ministers and ruling-party legislators have been included, while other areas represented by members of the ruling alliance have not.

The inclusion of areas such as Mahabaleshwar, Radhanagari and Shrivardhan has also prompted questions because these regions are generally associated with higher rainfall. The debate has consequently focused on the criteria used to assess rainfall levels, crop conditions and drought severity.

The issue has also created pressure within the Mahayuti. BJP MP Ashok Chavan faced questions from supporters over the exclusion of Mudkhed, while BJP MLA Sumit Wankhede sought the inclusion of Arvi in the drought list. The government subsequently approved the request concerning Arvi, according to the report.

The Opposition has criticised the government over the exclusions. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleged that drought relief decisions were being influenced by political considerations. NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar has also written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with a set of demands for additional assistance to farmers.

Sharad Pawar has sought measures including financial assistance for affected farmers and other forms of relief. The government, meanwhile, has maintained that areas outside the notified list will not necessarily be denied assistance and that support can be provided through other schemes.

The drought is also raising wider concerns about Maharashtra's rural economy. Reports indicate that poor and uneven rainfall has affected agricultural production, particularly in parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha. The state has also been examining additional measures related to water supply and employment generation in drought-affected areas.

The controversy is therefore no longer limited to the drought notification itself. It has expanded into a political debate over the assessment process, relief measures and the government's response to agricultural distress.

With field-level crop assessments now underway in several affected areas, further changes to the list and additional relief measures could follow depending on the findings.