Sharad Pawar led a protest rally, called the ‘Akrosh Morcha’, in Nashik, joined by several NCP (SP) leaders and workers. He demanded that the government declare a wet drought and provide a complete loan waiver to farmers struggling with debt and poor market returns
Sharad Pawar said that Monday’s protest was only the beginning and cautioned the state government about rising public anger. File Pic/X
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of showing indifference towards the plight of farmers, warning that the Opposition would intensify its agitation to highlight the growing agrarian crisis in the state, reported the PTI.
Sharad Pawar led a protest rally, called the ‘Akrosh Morcha’, in Nashik, joined by several NCP (SP) leaders and workers.
Travelling in an open jeep, Pawar addressed the crowd, demanding that the government declare a wet drought and provide a complete loan waiver to farmers struggling with debt and poor market returns.
Speaking at the rally, Pawar criticised CM Fadnavis, stating, “We have seen posters of Devabhau (Devendra Fadnavis) with folded hands before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. If he truly respects the warrior king, he should follow his path, which ensured that farmers were not burdened,” according to the PTI.
Pawar, a former Chief Minister and Union Minister, said that Monday’s protest was only the beginning and cautioned the state government about rising public anger.
“Devabhau, look around and see what’s happening. In Nepal, a government was overthrown because it failed to meet people’s expectations,” he warned.
He further alleged that farmers are receiving inadequate prices for their produce, while export restrictions are compounding their struggles.
“Debt is the biggest curse that farmers face today, and this crisis must be addressed urgently. If the government remains indifferent, the number of farmer suicides could rise from thousands to lakhs,” he said.
NCP (SP) Working President and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule also issued warning to the state government and said, “If the government does not announce a loan waiver within a month, we will not allow ministers to move freely in the state,” as per the PTI.
The party also demanded a fair Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops such as onion, grapes, and others severely affected by low market rates.
Rohit Pawar, NCP (SP) General Secretary, questioned the government’s priorities.
He said, “Maharashtra has contributed Rs 2 lakh crore in GST over the past eight years. Why can’t Rs 35,000 crore be allocated for a loan waiver?”
(with PTI inputs)
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