Shiv Sena ministers attend CM Fadnavis' meeting; farmers' aid approved

Shiv Sena (SS) ministers such as Eknath Shinde, Ramdas Kadam, Diwakar Raote, Deepak Kesarkar, Vijay Shivtare, and Dadaji Bhuse attended a meeting called by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Sahyadri State Guest House in Mumbai on Wednesday. On this occasion, Fadnavis along with other ministers reviewed the situation arising out of the unseasonal rain in the state. The ministers briefed the Maharashtra CM about the on-ground condition and gave their suggestions. On Sunday, Fadnavis had visited Lakhanwada, Chikhalgaon and Mhaispur villages in Akola district to inspect the damage to the crops. 

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Fadnavis announces measures

The Maharashtra CM announced that the first instalment of government aid would be released immediately to ensure that the farmers had cash in hand. Calling it a “rare situation”, he called for enhanced coordination with insurance companies. Furthermore, he approved several measures for the farm labourers. Speaking after the meeting, Ramdas Kadam observed that the meeting focused only on the issues plaguing the farmers. He revealed that Shiv Sena ministers had demanded a compensation of Rs.25,000 per acre for farmers.  

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The tussle over the CM's post

The meeting assumes significance as this is the first time since the declaration of the Maharashtra Assembly election results that representatives of SS and BJP have met. Talks between both the alliance partners have been stuck over the demand for the CM's post. While BJP gained 105 seats, SS managed to win in 56 constituencies. Moreover, they have been welcoming the support of Independent MLAs to leverage their individual position. 

(With ANI inputs)

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