Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar found himself at the centre of a political controversy after a video surfaced showing him speaking sharply to a farmer during a visit to flood-affected areas in the Marathwada region.
The incident took place in Paranda taluka of Dharashiv district, one of the areas severely affected by recent heavy rainfall and flooding. During the visit, a local farmer raised concerns about loan waivers and government assistance, prompting an irritated response from Pawar.
In the video, Pawar is heard reportedly mocking the farmer's concerns by saying, “Why don’t we make him the chief minister?” He added, “Are we here to play marbles? I’ve been working since 6 am, and you're not letting those who work speak.”
He went on to say that he was present to console the affected villagers, noting that he had other villages to visit during the day. Pawar highlighted the government’s financial initiatives, including the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, which he claimed had disbursed ₹46,000 crore, and mentioned a waiver of electricity bills for farmers.
The video quickly went viral, drawing criticism from Opposition leaders, particularly the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction. Party leader Sanjay Raut condemned the Deputy Chief Minister's tone, saying, “This is not Pawar’s style, it’s arrogance. What did this government do? The Chief Minister says don’t politicise the issue, but they should learn from Punjab, where the state stepped in even when the Centre did not help.”
In response to the backlash, Pawar accused the Opposition of misrepresenting the context of his statements. “A lot of people were gathered there, and many questions were being asked. My remarks are being shown without what I said before and after,” he claimed, adding that he had conducted a productive tour of the affected areas.
Pawar’s visit came in the wake of severe flooding across Marathwada, which includes the districts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Latur, Parbhani, Nanded, Hingoli, Beed, and Dharashiv. The region has witnessed heavy rainfall and swollen rivers since 20 September. According to official data, 86 lives have been lost across the eight districts due to rain-related incidents this monsoon. The floods have destroyed crops across more than 30,000 hectares, adding to the distress of farmers already burdened by debt and recurring natural disasters.
In response, the Maharashtra government has rolled out relief packages for affected families. According to an official statement released on Thursday, the next of kin of those who died in the floods will receive ₹4 lakh each. Compensation for livestock losses has been set at ₹37,500 per milch animal, ₹32,000 for draught animals, and ₹20,000 per small animal. For animals like goats, sheep, or pigs, ₹4,000 per head will be provided. Financial aid will also be extended to farmers for damaged crops, livestock, and homes, the government said.
