When Uddhav Thackeray came to a farmer's rescue amid COVID-19 lockdown

The farmer's truck was stopped by police at the Maharashtra border

Uddhav-Thackeray-Amey-Mansabdar Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray | Amey Mansabdar

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is known to have a soft corner for farmers. It was evident when he announced a farm loan waiver package—the first major decision he took after becoming the chief minister. His compassion came to the fore yet again, when Thackeray promptly helped a farmer from Hingoli district whose truck, which was carrying nine tonnes of oranges, was stopped by police in Maharashtra during the lockdown.

The farmer, Balu Patil, lives in Javalabazar in Hingoli district in Marathwada region. He owns 80 acres of land and cultivates mainly oranges, pomegranates, watermelons, and musk melons. He sells his fruits across India.

On March 25, the truck loaded with nine tonnes of oranges left Patil’s farm near Hingoli and began its journey to Bengaluru where the fruits were to be sold. As the truck crossed the district border and entered Parbhani district, it was stopped by the police who were enforcing the lockdown announced by the Union government due to COVID-19 pandemic. The truck driver pleaded with the cops but to no avail. Finally, he called Patil and informed him about the situation. A worried Patil tried to rope in help from government officers he knew but nobody was willing, as state government had issued strict curfew orders and there was lot of confusion on the ground as to what goods came under essential commodities and whether inter-state transport of goods was allowed.

Patil, who had become desperate after hours of pleading with local officials, decided to try his luck. He had Uddhav Thackeray's mobile number. He sent a message to the Maharashtra chief minister.

“I sent a message to the honourable CM that the truck carrying my produce had been stopped by police in Parbhani district and urged him to help an ordinary farmer like me,” Patil told THE WEEK over phone from his village.

“Uddhavji's response to my message was so fast that within 10 minutes, I received a call from SP of Parbhani district, Krishnakant Upadhyay. He asked me to explain my problem. He assured me that my truck would be released immediately and he will ensure that it will not be stopped anywhere during the journey to Bengaluru,” Patil said.

SP Upadhyay kept his promise. Patil’s truck reached Bengaluru next day without any hassles. “I immediately sent a message to Uddhavji to thank him and told him that I have been a Shiv Sainik since my youth. Honourable CM replied with a smiley,” Patil said.

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