Nanded/Nagpur, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after a video showing ministers, leaders and senior officials consuming cashews and almonds during an official drought review meeting in Nanded surfaced on social media, drawing criticism amid the ongoing agricultural distress in Marathwada.
The meeting was held at the District Planning Hall to review the agricultural situation and crop losses in the region. The visuals triggered criticism over the choice of refreshments during a meeting focused on the difficulties faced by farmers.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking to the media in Nagpur, acknowledged that dry fruits are commonly served during official meetings but said administrative practices should be aligned with the circumstances on the ground.
“It is a standard administrative protocol to provide dry fruits during official meetings. No one does this intentionally to mock the drought situation. However, the administration must keep ground realities in mind and act with greater sensitivity. Such practices should be avoided under these circumstances,” Fadnavis said.
Shiv Sena Minister Sanjay Shirsat, who did not attend the meeting because of prior commitments, said arrangements for refreshments were made by officials.
“I did not attend as I had pre-scheduled engagements, and Agriculture Minister Datta Bhaarne was handling the responsibilities alongside the attending officers. It is the officials who arrange cashews and almonds, but elected representatives end up facing public criticism. I will issue strict directives to the divisional commissioner regarding this matter,” Shirsat said.
NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar criticised the government over the incident and demanded a special session of the state legislature to discuss the drought situation and relief measures for farmers.
“While the drought crisis across the state is extremely grave, the government shows zero seriousness and is busy relishing cashews and almonds. The state government must immediately convene a special legislative assembly session to address the drought and offer concrete relief to farmers,” Pawar said.
Fadnavis, meanwhile, outlined measures being taken by the state government to address crop losses, water shortages and the impact of the dry spell.
He said Cabinet ministers had been assigned to conduct ground-level reviews in their respective districts and that preliminary assessments and panchnamas would be completed within a week to expedite financial assistance.
Fadnavis also said the loan waiver process was progressing, with three beneficiary lists already published and the remaining lists being prepared on priority.
He said fodder and drinking water were being arranged for severely affected areas under planning undertaken through the fodder development programme launched in view of the El Nino threat.
The Chief Minister further said additional electricity was being supplied to farmers during evening hours to help protect standing crops, including in single-phase supply areas where wells still have water.
He added that water stored in major reservoirs was being reserved strictly for drinking purposes to prevent shortages, particularly in areas dependent on smaller reservoirs with depleted stocks.
The drought situation has also drawn demands for stronger relief measures, with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar writing to Fadnavis on September 18 seeking an official drought declaration and financial assistance for affected farmers.
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