Congress Seeks Telangana-like Loan Waiver for Maharashtra Farmers

The Congress in Maharashtra has called for a comprehensive loan waiver for farmers, similar to the one implemented in Telangana. They promised to introduce this measure if the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comes to power. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole criticised the central and state BJP governments, accusing them of favouring industrialists over farmers. He claimed that more than 1,700 farmers have committed suicide in the state this year.

Patole highlighted that farmers are grappling with both natural and economic challenges. He noted that while the prices of agricultural produce remain low, the costs of seeds, fertilisers, and equipment have surged. According to him, it is the government's responsibility to support farmers during these tough times. He pointed out that some regions in Maharashtra have faced drought, while others have experienced excessive rainfall, leading to crop damage.

Loan Waiver Demand

Patole emphasised that the first decision of an MVA government would be to grant a loan waiver to farmers. He urged the current Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government to take inspiration from Telangana's Congress government, which has already provided such relief to its farmers. Patole also mentioned that counterfeit fertilisers and substandard seeds are prevalent in the market, but the government has only made empty promises about taking action against dishonest dealers.

The Congress leader accused crop insurance companies of benefiting at the expense of farmers. He stated that instead of helping farmers, these companies are profiting while farmers continue to suffer and even end their lives. Patole described the current condition of farmers as extremely critical and stressed the urgent need for a loan waiver.

Government's Priorities Questioned

Patole alleged that the Mahayuti government is prioritising select builders and industrialists over farmers. He claimed that the BJP-led central government has waived Rs 16 lakh crore loans of big industrialists but has not extended similar support to farmers. On June 11, a Congress delegation met with the state Governor to demand a loan waiver for Maharashtra's farmers.

During the recent budget session of the state legislature, Congress reiterated this demand, but according to Patole, the Mahayuti government has ignored it. He expressed disappointment that the Union Budget presented on July 23 did not include any announcement regarding a loan waiver for farmers.

The Congress leader concluded by asserting that there is an urgent need for announcing a loan waiver for distressed farmers in Maharashtra. He reiterated that if given a chance, an MVA government would prioritise this issue immediately upon coming to power.