Nagpur: As Maharashtra govt works on war footing to assess crop losses caused by erratic monsoon amid mounting opposition protests, an RSS-affiliated farmers’ organisation has announced a major tractor rally in eastern Vidarbha’s Bhandara district next month to press for financial assistance for farmers.Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) expects nearly 10,000 farmers to participate in the Oct 5 rally at Sakoli, with their primary demand of immediate payment of bonus for paddy farmers.The planned agitation has attracted attention because BKS is affiliated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh while Maharashtra is governed by BJP-led coalition. However, BKS leaders insist the protest is driven solely by farmers’ concerns.“Everything should not be viewed through a political lens,” said BKS Bhandara district general secretary Dinesh Kapgate. “This is about farmers and a promise made to them long ago. Until 2024, paddy cultivators received a bonus of Rs20,000 per hectare. The payments were subsequently stopped, and given the present circumstances, farmers urgently need that support,” he said.Responding to questions about whether the issue could have been resolved through discussions with BJP ministers, Kapgate said the organisation had repeatedly approached both govt officials and elected representatives. “We submitted representations to the authorities and public representatives. During the Budget session, MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar raised the issue and the govt assured us that payments would be made, but nothing has happened so far. That is why we have decided to organise a tractor rally to the tehsil office, where we will once again submit our demands,” he said.According to BKS, the rally is expected to feature around 1,000 tractors, with farmers arriving from Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts.“We chose Sakoli because it is home to a revered temple that commands deep faith and respect among local farmers,” said Kapgate, himself a resident of the town.The announcement comes weeks after NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar toured the neighbouring districts of Bhandara and Gondia on Sept 9 and 10, holding meetings and rallies with farmers to discuss crop damage caused by the uneven monsoon.BKS has also received backing from former BJP Lok Sabha member from Bhandara-Gondia Sunil Mendhe, who plans to participate in the rally and has written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking immediate relief for farmers.Speaking to TOI, Mendhe said he understood the crisis firsthand as a paddy farmer himself. “I also cultivate paddy and know how difficult the situation is. Rice requires substantial rainfall, and the prolonged breaks in monsoon activity have damaged nearly 50% of the crop. I have urged the govt to treat this as a priority and provide financial assistance to affected farmers,” he said.Mendhe argued that eastern Vidarbha is often neglected despite facing recurring agricultural distress.“Most farmers here own small landholdings and lack a common platform to raise their concerns effectively. As a result, their voices often go unheard. Even when loan waivers are announced, a significant share of the benefits goes to Marathwada, while eastern Vidarbha receives only a small portion,” he said.Maharashtra govt is currently conducting a statewide crop damage assessment. Chief minister Fadnavis has said once the survey is completedthe Mahayuti govt will take an “appropriate” decision on relief measures for affected farmers.
