Dombivli: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured drought-hit farmers of all possible assistance, announcing that Shiv Sena will dispatch trucks carrying Diwali provisions to affected families on the day of its Dussehra rally.

Shinde made the announcement after visiting the Sharadiya Navratri festival organised by the Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation and Shri Navdurga Yuva Mandal in Dombivli.

He said sewing machines were being distributed to women from drought-affected farming families to help them earn a livelihood. The party would also provide assistance for the weddings of farmers’ daughters in drought-hit areas.

Shinde urged people from all sections of society to unite in supporting farmers facing financial distress. He offered prayers for an end to the drought crisis and for prosperity to return to farming families.

Congratulating Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde and the organisers, he praised initiatives that preserve cultural traditions and strengthen community bonds.

The programme was attended by MLA Rajesh More, Kalyan-Dombivli Mayor Harshali Chaudhary, Shiv Sena Kalyan district chief Gopal Landge, deputy district chief Rajesh Kadam, party office-bearers, public representatives and devotees.

Responding to Shinde’s appeal for assistance, local Shiv Sena corporators, office-bearers and other prominent citizens handed over cheques towards a relief fund for