Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 12: The suicide of Haridas Bombale, a debt-ridden farmer from Nanded district, has triggered sharp criticism from the NCP (SP) and Congress, who slammed the BJP-led Mahayuti government for failing to uphold its loan waiver promises.

Bombale, reportedly under intense pressure from loan recovery agents, ended his life by hanging himself. State NCP(SP) chief Jayant Patil accused the government of betraying farmers.

“Farmers are devastated — from drought and fake seeds to unaffordable inputs burdened with GST. The promise of loan waivers has become hollow,” Patil said, demanding criminal action against seed companies selling bogus seeds and compensation for affected farmers.

Congress state chief Harshwardhan Sapkal echoed the sentiment, calling Bombale’s suicide “a heartbreaking result of the government’s betrayal.” He urged the state to “wake up from its Kumbhakarni slumber” and honor its poll-time assurances.

However, deputy CM Ajit Pawar denied making any promises of a loan waiver, urging farmers to repay their loans by March 31. “Election promises don’t always result in implementation,” he remarked.

The tragic incident comes amid alarming figures revealed by the government — on average, eight farmers have died by suicide daily in Maharashtra over the last 56 months.