Thane:
Shiv Sena lawmaker Pratap Sarnaik today said he will assist actor Nana Patekar in providing financial help to families of farmers who have committed suicide.
"Nana Patekar has undertaken a key programme to assist families of farmers who have committed suicide. To support him, I will donate Rs 15,000 to their (farmer's) families with Patekar's help," Mr Sarnaik, MLA from Ovala-Majiwada constituency in Thane said.
"I have spoken to Patekar in this regard. The exact number of families whom I will render assistance will be known shortly," he added.
On August 10, Patekar and Marathi actor Makrand Anaspure provided financial assistance of Rs 15,000 each to the families of 62 farmers from Vidarbha region, who had allegedly committed suicide.
Meanwhile, Mr Sarnaik also took a dig at NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, who has decided to cancel his annual 'Dahi-Handi' event, saying, "I expect him to donate around Rs 5 to 6 crore (to farmers), which he otherwise spends on the festival."
Earlier in August, Mr Awhad had cancelled his 'Sangharsh' 'Dahi-Handi' event in Thane in view of the drought situation in Maharashtra and new 'restrictions' brought up by state government on celebration of the festival.