A political dispute has started in Maharashtra after the Mahayuti government declared 265 of the state's 358 talukas drought-affected. The decision has caused anger within the ruling alliance, while Opposition parties have accused the government of political favouritism in selecting the areas for drought relief.Key HighlightsMaharashtra declared 265 of 358 talukas drought-affected.Some ruling alliance leaders questioned why their areas were left out.The Opposition alleged political bias in the selection.The government says the list can be reviewed after further assessments.Why the Government Declared 265 Talukas Drought-HitThe Maharashtra government announced the drought list on September 26, 2026. The decision came after several parts of the state faced low rainfall and long dry periods during the monsoon season.The government used the first-stage Trigger-I criteria under the state's Drought Management Code. These rules help officials identify areas facing drought-like conditions.According to the government, 265 out of 358 talukas met the required conditions. This covers nearly 74 per cent of the state's talukas. The decision was based on rainfall data and other drought-related indicators collected up to September 24.The situation was serious in several districts. Areas in Dharashiv and Beed had reportedly received little or no rainfall since July. This affected crops, cattle and the daily water needs of farmers and workers.The government also announced 12 relief measures. These include land revenue relief, crop loan restructuring, delays in loan recovery, electricity bill concessions for agricultural pumps and education fee relief for students in affected areas.However, direct crop-loss compensation was not announced immediately. The government said this would be decided separately after crop damage surveys.Ruling Alliance Leaders Question Excluded AreasThe Maharashtra drought list 2026 has also created questions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.Some leaders and MLAs from the ruling side said their areas were also facing drought conditions but were not included in the first list.The issue became more serious after some areas with relatively high rainfall were included, while certain areas facing water shortages were left out. Critics questioned whether the assessment method gave a complete picture of conditions on the ground.BJP leaders and other ruling alliance representatives reportedly approached the government to seek the inclusion of their constituencies.For example, BJP MP Ashok Chavan and his daughter, MLA Sreejaya Chavan, submitted a request seeking the inclusion of Mudkhed and Mukhed. BJP MLA Sumit Wankhede also sought the inclusion of Arvi in the list.These demands have put pressure on the government to review the list.The government has indicated that the list is not necessarily final. Officials are checking ground reports and may examine more areas if the conditions require it.Opposition Alleges Political FavouritismThe Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has accused the government of political favouritism in the drought declaration.Congress leaders questioned why some areas represented by Opposition leaders were not included in the list.Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar raised questions over the exclusion of Brahmapuri. Opposition leaders have also demanded that the government explain the method used to select drought-hit talukas.The Opposition has also questioned the delay in announcing direct financial help for farmers.NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Tapase said farmers who have already lost crops cannot wait for a future government order. He demanded clarity on when farmers would receive compensation and how much they would get.The Opposition has also asked the government to consider the impact of drought on urban areas, industries and ordinary people.These are political allegations. The government has said that the drought assessment is based on official criteria and that further reviews are possible.Government Reviews List as Farmers Wait for ReliefMaharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the government may consider using funds planned for infrastructure projects to support drought relief if needed.He also said that the government was reviewing the situation in some areas that did not meet the first-stage criteria. Reports from district collectors and ground-level assessments will help decide whether more talukas should be included.The government has also directed officials to conduct crop damage surveys in the affected areas. Agriculture officers, revenue officials and village-level workers will take part in these surveys.The reports will help the government decide the amount of assistance that farmers may receive.The main concern now is the condition of farmers whose crops have been damaged due to low rainfall. Water supply for people and cattle is also a major issue in several areas.The controversy has brought two questions into focus: how the government selected the 265 talukas and when farmers will receive direct financial support.For now, the government is reviewing reports while political parties continue to question the selection process. The final position may change after further field assessments and official decisions.Also Read : Maharashtra Drought: Govt Waives Technical Norms to Ensure Relief Reaches Affected Farmers
