MUMBAI, Oct. 15 -- The Maharashtra government on Wednesday added 39 talukas to its list of 265 affected by drought, raising the total number to 304 - this means 84.92% of the state is now drought-hit. The state will also deposit an advance of Rs.5,000 to each farmer before Diwali to bring them relief. After the state cabinet expanded the list, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the additions were made after "people demanded that their areas also be put on the list; it was done after reviewing ground reports". "Now all the farmers in all these areas will get benefits provided to other drought affected areas," said Fadnavis. "However, as it will take some time to complete the process of compensation to drought-hit farmers, we hav...