Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai/Nagpur, Oct 29: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that the state government is actively considering a farm loan waiver, clarifying that his administration has never ruled out the possibility of writing off farmers’ debts.

His statement came amid intensifying protests led by Prahar Janshakti Sanghatana chief and former minister Bachchu Kadu, who, along with several farmers’ organisations, has blocked key highways and railway routes — including the Nagpur-Hyderabad highway — demanding an immediate waiver of agricultural loans.

“We are thinking about the loan waiver for farmers. We have never said we won’t waive loans,” said Fadnavis while speaking to reporters.

“The government’s priority is to ensure that money reaches the bank accounts of rain and flood-hit farmers. We have already started that process.”

The Chief Minister urged protesters to remain peaceful and refrain from activities that disrupt public life.

“Protests should not inconvenience the common man. Often, some outsiders or miscreants infiltrate these agitations and try to turn them violent. We must remain vigilant,” he cautioned.

Fadnavis emphasized that while his government is sympathetic to farmers’ concerns, it will not allow rail roko, road blockades, or chakkajams. He reiterated that a Rs 32,000 crore relief package has been announced for farmers affected by heavy rains and floods, and funds are being transferred directly to their bank accounts.

“When loans are waived, the money goes to banks — not directly to farmers — and the benefits are delayed. Our approach ensures that farmers get help immediately,” he explained.

He also mentioned the formation of a special committee to address farmers’ grievances and design long-term relief mechanisms, saying, “The farmers who lost their crops due to heavy rains need immediate support. We are focusing on helping them first — not the banks.”

Bachchu Kadu’s Demands

Meanwhile, protest leader Bachchu Kadu reiterated his demand for a blanket loan waiver, criticizing the government for holding “endless discussions” instead of taking action. In a memorandum to the state government and during a phone call with Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, Kadu listed eight key demands, including:

• Immediate farm loan waiver across Maharashtra.
• 20% subsidy on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all agricultural commodities.
• A Rs 5 lakh subsidy for rural households, equivalent to urban housing aid.
• Coverage of all farming expenses — from sowing to harvest — under the Maharashtra Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
• Cancellation of the Rs 86,000 crore Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth highway project.
• A monthly honorarium of Rs 6,000 for widows, orphans, the disabled, and destitute women.
• Separate policies for shepherds and fishermen.
• A permanent solution for Gram Panchayat employees’ salaries.

The protests have gathered momentum across Vidarbha and Marathwada, with thousands of farmers joining demonstrations to demand relief for mounting debt, crop losses, and unfulfilled promises.

Even as the agitation intensifies, Fadnavis maintained that the government remains “open to dialogue and determined to find a constructive solution” that ensures immediate assistance for the state’s distressed farmers.