BJP Never Promised Farm Loan Waiver in Manifesto: Maha Minister
In a recent development, Maharashtra Minister Atul Save has sparked controversy by stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) never promised farm loan waivers in its manifesto for the 2024 state assembly elections. This statement comes as a response to a hunger strike by Prahar Janshakti Party founder Bachchu Kadu, who ended his seven-day strike in the Amravati district after the government assured to consider his demand for a complete farm loan waiver.
The issue has been a contentious one in the state, with many farmers demanding loan waivers to alleviate their financial burdens. The hunger strike by Bachchu Kadu, a prominent farmer leader, was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of farmers and seeking a complete loan waiver. The strike, which began on January 26, was supported by various farmer organizations and individuals from across the state.
The Maharashtra government, led by the BJP, has been under pressure to address the issue of farm loans, which has been affecting thousands of farmers. While the government has provided relief measures in the past, including reducing interest rates and providing collateral-free loans, many farmers have been unable to repay their loans, leading to a sense of desperation and frustration.
In response to the hunger strike, Atul Save, a senior BJP leader and Minister of State for Home and Parliamentary Affairs, said that the party’s manifesto did not promise farm loan waivers. “The BJP’s manifesto did not mention farm loan waivers. We had promised to provide relief to farmers through various schemes and initiatives,” Save said.
Save’s statement has been met with criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which have accused the BJP of going back on its promises. “The BJP had promised loan waivers to farmers during the elections, and now they are saying they never promised it. This is a clear case of dishonesty and betrayal of farmers’ trust,” said a Congress spokesperson.
The controversy has also sparked a debate about the BJP’s election manifesto and the promises made to farmers. The party’s manifesto for the 2024 state assembly elections had promised to provide “relief to farmers and improve their income” but did not specifically mention farm loan waivers.
The issue of farm loans has been a long-standing one in Maharashtra, with many farmers struggling to repay their loans. According to official data, over 1.5 lakh farmers in the state are in debt, with many having taken multiple loans to meet their agricultural expenses.
The government has attempted to address the issue through various measures, including the setting up of a special task force to investigate cases of loan default and the provision of interest-free loans to farmers. However, many farmers have been unable to benefit from these schemes, citing bureaucratic red tape and lack of transparency.
The controversy over farm loan waivers has also highlighted the need for a comprehensive solution to the issue. Many experts have called for a review of the agricultural credit system and the provision of more affordable and accessible credit options for farmers.
In conclusion, the issue of farm loan waivers is a complex and contentious one in Maharashtra, with many stakeholders having different opinions on the matter. While the BJP has denied promising farm loan waivers in its manifesto, the controversy has highlighted the need for a comprehensive solution to the issue of farm loans and the plight of farmers in the state.
