Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray trade barbs over farm loan waiver, relief measures in Marathwada

Addressing the gathering, Thackeray said he had not come to seek votes but to “give courage” to distressed farmers. “No matter who has helped the farmers or not, I will use whatever power I have for the benefit of the people. With your blessings, I had waived off loans. But today, after every crisis, leaders only come to take photos and do relief work for publicity,” he said, criticising the state government’s response to agrarian distress.

Raising concerns over soil erosion and delayed compensation, Thackeray added, “If farmers get a fair price or guaranteed price for their crops, will they have to worry about loans? The rain has eroded the soil of many farms — what should they do with that land? Stand with the farmers if you really care about them.”

Reacting sharply to Thackeray’s remarks, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hit back, saying he was glad Thackeray had “finally come out among the people.” “When he was the Chief Minister, he never stepped out to meet farmers in distress. Now, after repeated electoral defeats, he has realised the need to go to the people,” Fadnavis said.

He claimed that Thackeray’s outreach was politically motivated. “Farmers have turned their backs on him because they know these visits are only about elections. He isn’t getting much response, so the effort to capture public attention is on,” the Chief Minister remarked.

Defending his government’s handling of the farmers’ relief package, Fadnavis explained the delay in disbursement, citing procedural requirements. “The government’s package is reaching the accounts of farmers. It’s true that some are yet to receive it, but all affected farmers will receive aid soon,” he assured.

Concluding his remarks, Fadnavis said that despite Thackeray’s attempts to regain ground ahead of the elections, “he will not get much response from the people.”