Is the Maha Government's Relief Package a Mockery? Uddhav Thackeray Demands Farm Loan Waiver
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Synopsis
Uddhav Thackeray criticizes the Mahayuti government's relief package for farmers, calling it a mockery while demanding real support through a loan waiver. His passionate remarks highlight the disconnect between political promises and farmers' struggles in Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways
- Thackeray criticizes the government’s relief package.
- Calls for a complete farm loan waiver.
- Demands Rs 50,000 aid per hectare.
- Highlights disconnect between farmers' needs and government actions.
- Vows to support farmers in their struggles.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Oct 11 (NationPress) - Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), harshly criticized the Mahayuti government on Saturday, describing its relief package of Rs 31,628 crore aimed at compensating for crop losses caused by severe rain and flooding as a mockery of farmers.
During a rally organized by his party to protest against the government's indifference toward agricultural issues, Thackeray accused the Mahayuti government of failing to fulfill its election promise regarding farm loan waivers and warned that his party would initiate statewide protests.
He insisted that the government should not merely restructure farm loans but outright waive them, emphasizing the dire need to support farmers devastated by the natural calamities that have impacted Marathwada and other regions.
Thackeray, along with party members such as MP Sanjay Raut and legislator Aaditya Thackeray, demanded that the government allocate Rs 50,000 per hectare, arguing that the announced aid is grossly insufficient.
He stated, “The relief package is unacceptable to the farmers. While the government seems to take pride in its announcement, it is nothing short of a cruel joke.”
He called for Rs 50,000 per hectare from those responsible for alleged financial transactions linked to political rebels in June 2022. Thackeray criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for avoiding discussion about financial aid for flood-affected farmers during his recent visit, questioning, “What justice can we expect from a Prime Minister unaware of the ground realities?”
Taking a jab at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Thackeray remarked, “Farmers from Marathwada are saying that the king was generous and gave us watermelon.”
Thackeray expressed willingness to support the government's package, provided that Rs 1 lakh of the promised Rs 3.50 lakh per hectare aid is deposited into farmers’ accounts before Diwali.
He intensified his criticism, stating, “The Mahayuti government relies on farmers’ votes for power, yet when farmers seek justice, they are told it is not political.” He rejected the idea of loan restructuring, insisting instead on immediate debt relief to prevent further farmer suicides.
Responding to Fadnavis’ challenge regarding his right to discuss farm loan waivers, Thackeray asserted, “As a former Chief Minister, I have the authority since I implemented waivers before. We warn the government: if farmers are not freed from debt, we will launch protests across the state.”
He reassured farmers that his party would stand by them in every crisis, shoulder to shoulder.
Point of View
It's evident that the discontent among farmers regarding the government's relief efforts reflects a larger crisis in agricultural policy. The call for loan waivers indicates a significant gap between political promises and the realities faced by farmers, necessitating urgent attention.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Uddhav Thackeray say about the relief package?
Thackeray described the relief package as a mockery of the farmers, criticizing its inadequacy in addressing their needs.
What is the amount of the relief package announced by the government?
The relief package announced by the government is worth Rs 31,628 crore.
What demand did Thackeray make regarding farm loans?
Thackeray demanded that the government should waive farm loans instead of restructuring them.
What financial support does Thackeray propose for farmers?
Thackeray proposed that the government should provide Rs 50,000 per hectare as financial support for the affected farmers.
What action did Thackeray threaten if farmers are not supported?
Thackeray threatened to launch statewide protests if the government does not make farmers debt-free.
