VBA ‘Kali Diwali’ Protest at Pune Collector’s Office: Farmers Eat Chutney-Bhakri Over Rs 5,000 Drought Aid
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi held a ‘Kali Diwali’ protest at the Pune Collector’s office on 8 November, saying Rs 5,000 drought aid is too little and not paid.
Photo: Dharmadhyaksha / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pune, 9th November 2026: Workers of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and farmers held a “Kali Diwali” (black Diwali) protest outside the Pune District Collector’s office on Sunday, 8 November, the day of Lakshmi Pujan. They cooked on a traditional stove and ate chutney-bhakri to protest what they called inadequate drought relief.
Similar VBA protests were held in other districts, including Jalna and Dharashiv, the same day. Navarashtra reported that VBA workers across the state raised slogans contrasting well-fed leaders with hungry farmers.
TV9 Marathi reported that the protesters said the government had agreed to pay Rs 5,000 to farmers, but the money had not yet reached them.
What the protesters demanded
According to The Free Press Journal and TV9 Marathi, the main demands were:
- Release of the promised Rs 5,000 assistance, which protesters said has not reached many farmers
- Larger drought relief and compensation for crop losses
- Dam water to be reserved for drinking
- A plan for the coming drinking water shortage
- Better prices for farm produce
A farmer at the protest told The Free Press Journal that the amount was simply not enough.
What the VBA leaders said
Advocate Arvind Tayade, who leads the VBA’s Pune unit, said the government had “betrayed farmers”. He described the day as a Diwali celebrated on an empty stomach by farmers across Maharashtra.
He said VBA national president Prakash Ambedkar had repeatedly warned the government about a water crisis and urged it to set aside dam water for drinking. Tayade said there was still no visible plan to deal with it.
He also questioned the state’s tree plantation claims and the impact of infrastructure projects on trees.
Drought in Pune district and the state
The Free Press Journal reported that drought has been declared in 265 talukas across Maharashtra. Our earlier report on Pune district’s drought talukas lists the affected areas and the relief on offer, and our explainer on Maharashtra drought relief per hectare explains the compensation rules.
In drought years, demand for water tankers and fodder in rural Pune district usually rises through the winter and summer months.
How many farmers in Pune district have received the Rs 5,000 so far is not clear. The reports we checked did not include district-wise payment figures from the state government.
What the VBA plans next
Tayade warned that the agitation would grow. Farmers will join a larger protest led by Ambedkar during the coming legislative session and march towards Vidhan Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s residence, he said. Farmers will also go to the homes of ministers, MLAs and MPs to press their demands.
What farmers should check
If you are a farmer in a drought-declared taluka and have not received assistance:
- Check that your bank account is linked to Aadhaar and active
- Confirm your name with the village talathi or agriculture assistant
- Ask at the tehsil office about the status of your payment
We will update this story if the state government responds to the demands or announces new relief. More politics and government news is in Politics and Government.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kali Diwali protest?
It was a protest by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi on 8 November 2026, Lakshmi Pujan day, where farmers ate chutney-bhakri to highlight drought distress.
Where was the Kali Diwali protest held in Pune?
Outside the Pune District Collector’s office. Similar protests were held in other districts the same day.
What drought aid are farmers demanding?
They want the promised Rs 5,000 assistance paid without delay, more relief and compensation, and dam water reserved for drinking.
What will the VBA do next?
Its Pune leaders said farmers will join a larger protest during the legislative session and march to Vidhan Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s residence.
