After Maharashtra farmers took to the streets, seeking relief from the debts, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis hit out at the Opposition, saying it was fanning the issue for political advantages. The CM did acknowledge the farmers’ loan waiver demand, but said the state can only manage to waive of some of their loans.
“It is not possible for the state to waive loans, in full, of all 1.34 crore farmers. For that, the government will have to shell out Rs 1.34 lakh crore, and this is more than the capital expenditure of the state. But, we are considering waiving loans of 31 lakh farmers who have gone out of the institutional credit system because of their unpaid loans. This comes to around Rs 30,000 crore and we will spend that money to bring them back into the credit system,” said Fadnavis.
However, the CM did not mention when the government would declare this waiver and whether the loans will be waived fully or in part. “We will take the decision at the appropriate time. The government is still considering the formula,” Fadnavis said.
CM also highlighted how, even in Uttar Pradesh, only 70 lakh farmers, of the 2.5 crore, were getting the aids of the loan waiver. He said during the UPA rule, the state received only Rs 7,000 crore for loan waiver.
Fadnavis hit at the opponents and said his government was ready to talk to the agitating farmers. He asked them to withdraw their strike. “Those who have failed to get support during the Sangharsh Yatra are the ones behind the violence during the strike. I am sure farmers will not take law and order into their hands. Through these means, they (opposition parties) are trying to make the situation worse,” said Fadnavis.
He also said that there is no lack of essential commodities like milk and vegetables. “I am sure the government will resolve the issue. Our agricultural minister Pandurang Fundkar and minister of state Sadabhau Khot are speaking with farmers. The farmers need to think in whose interest they are fighting, as ultimately they are being affected the most in this,” Fadnavis said.
