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VBA observes black Diwali in Jalna over drought handling

Jalna, Maharashtra, India · Nov 8, 2026

Is it still on?

NOIt was a one-day action on Nov 8.

Last report · checked

The Tea in three lines

Why they are protesting
Protesters say the government failed to address severe drought conditions caused by irregular rainfall and poor planning.
What they want
They demand an official drought declaration, a complete loan waiver, higher financial relief, and regular drinking water supply.
What changed
Nov 8: VBA members gathered outside the district collector's office in Jalna to protest by eating bajra bhakri and chutney.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Declare a drought
  • Provide immediate relief to affected farmers
  • Announce a complete loan waiver
  • Ensure regular drinking water supply for city residents

Organised by: Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA)

What authorities say

No official response reported in the sources.

The full story

On November 8, 2026, members of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by Prakash Ambedkar observed a black Diwali outside the district collector's office in Jalna, Maharashtra. Protesters consumed traditional bajra bhakri and chutney to demonstrate against the government's handling of severe drought conditions caused by irregular rainfall and poor planning. Organisers stated that withered crops and shortages of drinking water and cattle fodder have distressed farmers, agricultural labourers, and rural workers. The district party chief criticised the administration's financial aid of Rs 5,000 per farmer as inadequate and questioned what support was available for landless workers. Additionally, protesters targeted the BJP-controlled Jalna City Municipal Corporation for failing to supply regular drinking water. No official response from the government was reported in the sources.

Timeline

  1. VBA members gathered outside the Jalna district collector's office and consumed bajra bhakri and chutney for a black Diwali protest.12

Pins sit on city centres, never on gathering points

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