Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday addressed concerns about loan waivers, clarifying that citizens must repay their crop loans by March 31. Speaking in Malegaon, he remarked, “You can pretend to have anything, but not money.” He emphasised that expecting a loan waiver is unrealistic.
He said that election promises don’t always translate into actions and that decisions will be made considering current circumstances. However, for now, loans must be repaid. On a positive note, 0% interest loans will be available. His statement has put the government in a tough spot, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition.
Former MP and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti launched a scathing attack on Pawar. “Doesn’t he feel ashamed telling farmers to repay loans by March 31?” he asked. Shetti accused the government of completely deceiving farmers just to secure their votes.
Meanwhile, the Kisan Sabha organisation has also condemned the government’s stance, calling it a betrayal of farmers. The Congress has taken a dig at Pawar, saying, “Dada, kya hua tera wada?”
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attempted to downplay the controversy and defend the government’s stance. Shinde said the government will fulfil all promises made in the election manifesto. He also called for maintaining balance in the state finances.
“Each and every promise will be honoured. We will not call it a printing mistake,” Defending Pawar, Fadnavis stated that the deputy CM never said farm loan waivers were impossible. However, Fadnavis avoided further discussion on the matter.
