Gujarat cabinet minister draws criticism for wearing gumboots to meet flood-affected farmers

Ahead of the onset of winter, unseasonal rainfall in Gujarat has brought dire conditions for the farmers, causing heavy economic losses. 

The newly appointed cabinet ministers, Arjun Modhwadia and Pradhyuman Waja, showed up to meet the farmers in the affected areas of Gir Somnath and Junagadh districts.

While farmers are bearing the brunt of heavy rainfall, minister Waja showed up wearing gumboots to meet them. 

Locals remarked that the minister seemed more concerned about keeping his clothes clean than understanding the farmers’ plight. 

Notably, Saurashtra has recorded over five inches of rainfall, resulting in flooding of farmlands. 

Crops such as cotton, groundnut, paddy, vegetables, and soybeans have suffered extensive damage. 

Although the state government had announced an agricultural relief package just before Diwali, the fresh spell of rain has once again dealt a severe economic blow to farmers. After months of hard work, the rains have washed away their hopes during the harvest season.