Farmers raise diesel issue during Eknath Shinde’s speech at Latur rally

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Some farmers briefly interrupted the speech of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde during a rally in Latur’s Ahmedpur on Thursday night, as they raised the issue of an acute diesel shortage affecting agricultural activities across Marathwada.

The incident occurred while Shinde was addressing an event marking the induction of former minister of state Vinayakrao Patil into Shiv Sena.

Responding to the disruption, Shinde linked the shortage to global developments. “Our Prime Minister has asked for austerity measures. The (fuel) crisis will be over soon,” he said.

He also urged people against hoarding fuel and warned of action. “We will be taking stern action against illegal hoardings,” Shinde said.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, the deputy CM, said, “Part-time politicians are criticising the PM. On the contrary, this time of crisis calls for the unity of the ruling parties and the opposition.”

Large parts of Marathwada have been grappling with a severe diesel shortage, disrupting farm operations at a critical time ahead of the kharif season. Ploughing activities dependent on mechanised equipment have come to a halt in several areas, leaving farmers anxious.

In his address, Shinde also said his focus remains on governance rather than power. “The chair is not our agenda. We only think of people who voted us to power. We prefer to reach out to people,” he said.