The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) staged a “Black Diwali” protest across Maharashtra on October 17, 2025, demanding immediate relief and compensation for farmers affected by unseasonal rains and crop destruction. Led by senior NCP leaders Jayant Patil, Supriya Sule, and Praful Patel, party workers wore black clothes and carried black flags to symbolize their discontent. Demonstrations were held in several districts, including Nagpur, Amravati, Akola, and Nashik, where protesters criticized the state government for its delayed response to the agrarian crisis. The protest comes after heavy rains earlier in October damaged large tracts of soybean, cotton, and paddy crops in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. Farmers have reported severe financial distress, claiming that insurance claims and government compensation have been slow and inadequate. NCP leaders accused the ruling Maharashtra government of neglecting farmers’ welfare, asserting that the festive season feels “dark” for those struggling to recover their livelihoods. Political analysts say the “Black Diwali” protest signals the NCP’s attempt to reassert its agrarian focus ahead of upcoming local elections. Agricultural unions such as the Sheti Parishad and Vidarbha Kisan Sangharsh Samiti have supported the movement, urging the government to announce a comprehensive relief package and expedite crop loss assessments. Experts warn that continued inaction could deepen rural distress and fuel further political unrest in the state. #NCPProtest #BlackDiwali #FarmersRelief #JayantPatil #SupriyaSule #MaharashtraPolitics #AgrarianCrisis #VidarbhaFarmers #CropDamage
