India, Nov. 8 -- Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde is offering drought-hit farmers and other marginalised families in the state a Diwali gift similar to the one withdrawn by a cash-strapped state government two years ago. The gift comes Shinde's own party, the Shiv Sena, which is providing 769,000 food kits like the ones distributed under the now withdrawn Anandacha Shidha, a welfare scheme implemented by the state during festivals.

With farmers reeling under drought, the gesture will bring some festive cheer, in addition to the Rs.5,000 for each family offered by the state government. However, the Sena's initiative is another move in the war of egos between Fadnavis and Shinde. The Sena chief, whose party is an ally in the BJP-led Mah...