Mumbai, Sep 24 (PTI): Farmers’ leader Raju Shetti and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday accused the Maharashtra government of insensitivity after trucks carrying aid to flood-hit Dharashiv district were seen covered with political banners.

The trucks transporting relief material displayed large posters featuring Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, district guardian minister Pratap Sarnaik, and the Shiv Sena symbol. The move drew sharp criticism from the opposition leaders, who alleged that the ruling parties were attempting to extract political mileage ahead of the upcoming local body polls.

Former MP Shetti, chief of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna, said, “They do not want to help people truly, but they want to show that they helped people. It is not like they are helping the affected people from their own pockets. How they have earned money is known to people.” He added that Maharashtra’s tradition has been to help quietly, without publicity, calling the banners “an obscene display” of inadequate relief.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut echoed the criticism, accusing the ruling side of politicising relief work. “Work is on to distribute relief material in bags with the party symbol. People are dying and you are doing politics over it — saffron bags with your photos on them and party symbol. This is shamelessness. People are dying, and there is anguish. The state has a government that works in a heartless way,” the Rajya Sabha member said.

Heavy rains have lashed several Marathwada districts, including Dharashiv, in recent days, causing extensive damage and displacing thousands.