NCP(SP) and Congress Criticize Mahayuti Govt Over Farmer Suicides, Call for Loan Waiver
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Synopsis
The NCP(SP) and Congress have criticized the Mahayuti government for the suicides of farmers, demanding immediate action on crop loan waivers. The distress among farmers is attributed to loan recovery pressures, crop failures, and broken promises by the government.
Key Takeaways
- NCP(SP) and Congress condemn Mahayuti government.
- Farmers facing severe financial distress.
- Call for immediate loan waivers and criminal action against fake seed suppliers.
- Tragic consequences of agricultural neglect highlighted.
- Government accused of failing to fulfill election promises.
Mumbai, April 12 (NationPress) The NCP(SP) and Congress have expressed strong criticism of the BJP-led Mahayuti government regarding the recent suicides of farmers and have demanded a waiver of crop loans.
The statements from both parties followed the tragic suicide of a farmer from Nanded district, Haridas Bombale, who reportedly took his life due to the overwhelming burden of debt and persistent pressure from the bank.
Both political entities accused the state administration of failing to support farmers and not honoring its election promise of loan forgiveness.
State NCP(SP) head Jayant Patil revealed that Bombale ended his life by hanging, citing the stress of debt recovery as a key factor.
“A farmer in Jalna district resorted to using a rotavator to destroy his crops after discovering fraudulent wheat seeds. The desperation among farmers in Maharashtra has reached unprecedented levels. What has led to this dire situation?” he questioned.
“When purchasing farming supplies, farmers contend with rising prices and heavy GST. The costs of fertilizers have surged dramatically. Farmers are increasingly aware that loan waivers are merely promises made by those in power. They are suffering not just from ongoing droughts and unexpected rains but also from the government's lack of empathy. The scenario is truly disheartening. What is the worth of our hardworking farmers' efforts?” he asked.
He insisted that the government must urgently file criminal charges against the company responsible for selling counterfeit seeds and ensure farmers receive compensation.
Meanwhile, state Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal asserted that Bombale fell victim to the government's “betrayal”.
“Haridas Vishwambhar Bombale, a farmer from Patoda Thadi Yethal in Dharmabad taluka of Nanded, took his life under the pressure from Maharashtra Gramin Bank to recover his loan. With crop failures, lack of insurance, low market prices for agricultural products, and insufficient government support, farmers are finding their circumstances intolerable, leading some to take such tragic steps,” he stated.
“Bombale's suicide is a tragic event. My deepest condolences to him! The government must awaken from its deep slumber and the false sense of security from its overwhelming majority and fulfill the promise of loan waivers made during the elections,” he added.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar claimed he had not made any commitments regarding loan waivers.
“Whether it’s Devendra Fadnavis or Eknath Shinde, the emphasis remains on serving the community. Numerous citizens have voiced concerns regarding the election manifesto's pledge for loan waivers,” Deputy Chief Minister Pawar remarked.
“As of March 28, I would like to remind the people of Maharashtra that they need to settle their crop loans by March 31. Election promises do not always convert into tangible actions,” he mentioned.
“Given the current financial landscape, future decisions will be made. However, for the present and even the upcoming year, all loans must be repaid,” he stated.
It is noteworthy that during the Budget session, Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil noted that, on average, eight farmers have died by suicide daily over the past 56 months in the state.
