Is the Maha Government Delaying the Crop Loan Waiver?

Mumbai, July 3 (NationPress) The opposition in Maharashtra has put the MahaYuti government on the spot regarding its electoral vow of a crop loan waiver, insisting that it be implemented without any further postponements.

Legislators from opposition parties, including Jayant Patil, Vijay Wadettiwar, and Bhaskar Jadhav, accused the state administration of stalling on its promise, emphasizing that the waiver is urgently needed as the agricultural sector is grappling with the repercussions of GST. Farmers, regardless of the crop, are facing production costs nearing Rs 60,000.

With unseasonal rains wreaking havoc, farmers are struggling to manage the financial strain caused by the gap between production costs and the eventual prices they receive for their crops.

During the discussions, opposition members raised issues regarding the government's neglect of the rising instances of farmers' suicides and the financial losses triggered by market fluctuations.

The opposition took a strong stance, expressing dissatisfaction over the absence of key ministers from various departments, including agriculture, water resources, and marketing. This absence led to a chaotic atmosphere as ruling party members also voiced their frustration.

“If ministers are not present, the Secretary and Deputy Secretary should occupy the officers’ gallery, and at least a desk officer should be summoned for note-taking,” remarked legislator Suresh Dhas sarcastically.

With only Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha present for a brief period, the opposition demanded that the assembly session be adjourned.

BJP member Sudhir Mungantiwar and Suresh Dhas joined the opposition in voicing serious concerns about the government's actions, questioning when the loan waivers would be implemented, when payments for paddy purchases would be made, and what steps would be taken to investigate fraudulent crop insurance claims.

As discussions continued, opposition legislators criticized controversial remarks made by Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate and BJP legislator Babanrao Lonikar.

Legislators Bhaskar Jadhav, Vijay Wadettiwar, and Jayant Patil labeled the government’s policies as “anti-agricultural.”

Jadhav stated, “This year, the paddy fields have faced devastation due to untimely rains. While farmers are suffering, the Agriculture Minister makes light of their plight. Lonikar’s insensitive remarks are a result of power’s arrogance.”

Wadettiwar expressed concern over the soaring prices of chemical fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.

He urged the government to announce a crop loan waiver instead of forming committees.

Both Jayant Patil and Vijay Wadettiwar implored the government not to turn the implementation of the Rs 86,300 crore Shaktipeeth Mahamarg into a matter of prestige, stressing the need for cooperation with farmers and the opposition before proceeding with land acquisition and project development.

In response, BJP legislator Gopichand Papalkar defended the Shaktipeeth Mahamarg, arguing that the opposition was politicizing the situation.