Why is Thackeray Criticizing the MahaYuti Government Over Farm Loan Waivers?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Thackeray demands immediate loan waivers for farmers affected by recent disasters.
- He criticizes the government for setting a June deadline.
- Calls for equitable treatment in welfare programs.
- Raises questions about government accountability.
- Emphasizes the importance of farmers in upcoming elections.
Beed, Nov 5 (NationPress) The chief of Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT), Uddhav Thackeray, criticized the Mahayuti government’s ₹31,628 crore package for farmers affected by rain and floods, deeming it insufficient. He insisted on the urgent implementation of the farm loan waiver for Maharashtra's farmers rather than waiting until June next year.
Thackeray condemned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for suggesting that the loan waiver would be addressed next year, mocking him by stating he was “searching for Rahu and Ketu” in an almanac.
During a four-day visit to the disaster-stricken Marathwada region after meeting with farmers in Pali village, Thackeray criticized Fadnavis’s remark that banks would benefit more than farmers from the loan waiver.
“The chief minister has set a deadline of June next year. If they’re waiving loans then, should farmers continue paying current installments? If the waiver is coming, why pay now? Will all loans be cleared in June?” Thackeray questioned.
He asserted that Fadnavis's announcement was yet another empty promise.
Thackeray urged farmers to demand, “First waive off the loans, then we will consider voting for you.” He emphasized that farmers, who are essential food providers, would only support the government if their loans were waived.
“I have a video of Fadnavis promising to make farmers debt-free after coming to power. Where is that promise now?” he inquired.
He acknowledged that while he may not be a farmer, he had once swiftly written off farm loans up to ₹2 lakh for growers after assuming the chief minister's position.
Thackeray also rebuked Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for his admission that the loan waiver was a campaign promise to secure votes.
Additionally, he criticized the Maharashtra government for conditions attached to the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana', questioning its fairness. “Is everyone truly benefiting from this scheme? Before the elections, all women in a family received aid, but now only two do. This creates division within households,” he remarked.
“With RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat advocating for larger families, how will aid be distributed among families with multiple women? Those receiving aid are the 'beloved', while those who don’t are overlooked. The government must ensure equitable treatment for all,” Thackeray concluded.