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Politics
Congress accuses BJP of hosting lavish Garba festivals amid drought in 305 Maharashtra talukas
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 17 Oct 2026, 08:46 PM
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The Congress party has criticised BJP leaders for organising extravagant Garba celebrations while 305 talukas in Maharashtra are grappling with severe drought conditions.
New Delhi – In a statement released on Tuesday, the Indian National Congress condemned senior BJP leaders for holding opulent Garba events in Maharashtra despite a worsening drought that has affected 305 talukas across the state. The party argued that the lavish celebrations, funded by public resources, are out of touch with the hardships faced by farmers and rural communities struggling with water scarcity.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Sadhu highlighted that the drought has led to a sharp decline in agricultural output, increased farmer distress, and a rise in water‑related conflicts. He urged the state government to redirect funds towards irrigation projects, water conservation measures, and relief packages for affected families.
BJP officials have not responded to the criticism at the time of writing. The controversy comes as the Maharashtra government, led by the BJP, is under pressure to declare a formal drought emergency and activate relief schemes under the state’s drought mitigation plan.
Analysts say the political clash underscores the broader debate over resource allocation during climate‑induced crises, with opposition parties seeking to hold the ruling coalition accountable for perceived insensitivity.
The issue is likely to feature prominently in upcoming legislative sessions, where opposition members may demand a parliamentary inquiry into the use of public funds for cultural events amid a declared drought.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Sadhu highlighted that the drought has led to a sharp decline in agricultural output, increased farmer distress, and a rise in water‑related conflicts. He urged the state government to redirect funds towards irrigation projects, water conservation measures, and relief packages for affected families.
BJP officials have not responded to the criticism at the time of writing. The controversy comes as the Maharashtra government, led by the BJP, is under pressure to declare a formal drought emergency and activate relief schemes under the state’s drought mitigation plan.
Analysts say the political clash underscores the broader debate over resource allocation during climate‑induced crises, with opposition parties seeking to hold the ruling coalition accountable for perceived insensitivity.
The issue is likely to feature prominently in upcoming legislative sessions, where opposition members may demand a parliamentary inquiry into the use of public funds for cultural events amid a declared drought.