Uddhav Thackeray Criticizes Delayed Loan Waiver for Maharashtra Farmers

In a sharp critique of Maharashtra's current administration, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray lambasted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's decision to postpone a crucial farm loan waiver until June next year. This delay comes despite the devastating rains that wreaked havoc on thousands of hectares of crops in late September.

Thackeray, who has announced a four-day tour of the affected Marathwada region starting November 5, stressed the urgency for immediate relief. He questioned the logic of delaying the waiver, asserting that farmers continue to suffer while banks are allegedly favored by the postponed timeline. Thackeray highlighted the Mahayuti government's campaign promise of a loan waiver, urging fulfillment.

Thackeray further criticized the central inspection team's brief visit to assess damage and the negligible crop insurance payouts. He called for a substantial relief package of Rs 50,000 per hectare and pledged his party's commitment to advocating for the farmers’ rights, evident from past proactive measures by the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.