During his visit to Marathwada district, Uddhav insisted that the government immediately provide a loan waiver as promised during the 2024 Assembly poll campaign by the Mahayuti government (BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP)
Uddhav Thackeray visited Marathwada to take stock of relief provided to affected farmers. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE (right) The CM Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government had promised a relief package of '31,628 crore. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray engaged in a war of words on Wednesday. Uddhav was visiting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to check what kind of help farmers and families affected by excessive rain have received from the state government.
During his visit to Marathwada district, Uddhav insisted that the government immediately provide a loan waiver as promised during the 2024 Assembly poll campaign by the Mahayuti government (BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP). “Why is the government not announcing a loan waiver? Farmers are in distress as their crops have been washed out due to heavy rains. No better time than now to help the farmers. What is the government waiting for?” Thackeray slammed the Mahayuti government for not keeping its promise.
In the past few months, massive damage has been caused to crops due to excessive rains in the region, with 29 of the 36 districts and 253 talukas badly hit. According to government records, of the 1.43 crore hectares sown this monsoon, nearly 68 lakh hectares have been damaged, including 60,000 hectares where fertile topsoil has been washed away. To tackle the crisis, the Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government had announced a Rs 31,628 crore relief package — the largest in the state’s history.
Uddhav asked farmers whether they had received any relief before Diwali, as promised by the government. “Diwali is over. But still, farmers have not received the assured assistance. If not a loan waiver, at least give the relief package amount on time as promised,” Uddhav asserted. At a time when the delay in distribution of relief is resulting in rising anger among farmers, the former chief minister and UBT Sena leader claimed that his visit was not political. “This is not the time to do politics. I am here to stand by farmers in crisis,” he added.
Reacting to the development, Fadnavis reacted sarcastically, saying, “It is a moment of happiness. For the first time (Uddhav) Thackeray has come on the field (stepped out),” the CM said. Fadnavis further reiterated that one should identify a speech where the UBT Sena chief is seen talking about development. “Anyone showing Uddhav Thackeray’s speech on development can claim a '1000 reward,” Fadnavis said, claiming that Thackeray has done nothing beyond taunting others. Meanwhile, a delegation of officers from the central government is on a Maharashtra visit to take stock of the loss to crops, farmers, houses and, livestock.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
