Kunbi Sena Demands Drought Status For Palghar, Threatens Indefinite Protest

The Kunbi Sena staged a protest march to Palghar district collector's office on Friday, demanding that the entire district be declared drought-affected. The organisation alleged that Palghar and Thane districts had been deliberately excluded from the government's drought relief framework despite severe agricultural distress.

Kunbi Sena president Vishwanath Patil issued an eight-day ultimatum to the administration, warning of an indefinite gherao of the collector's office if demands were not met. Patil called for a comprehensive district-wide assessment to determine the extent of crop damage and farmer hardship. He pointed to poor rainfall in June, a prolonged dry spell, and excessive monsoon downpour in July as factors that severely damaged crops, leaving farmers unable to salvage their produce.

Patil also criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's recent district visit, alleging that elected representatives were prevented from raising public concerns or submitting memorandums. He claimed the CM was given an inaccurate picture of Palghar as a prosperous agricultural region. The protesters emphasised that paddy cultivation is a major livelihood source for rural residents, many of whom lack adequate year-round irrigation facilities.