Abitkar attributes delay in loan waiver to Ladki Bahin scheme; no mention in BJP's poll manifesto, says Save
Kolhapur/Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Two ministers on Saturday made contradictory claims on the possibility of a farm loan waiver in Maharashtra as Mahayuti govt is reeling under pressure from politicians like Prahar Janshakti Party president Bachchu Kadu and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana chief Raju Shetti.
Health minister Prakash Abitkar (Shiv Sena) said in Kolhapur that a delay in announcing a loan waiver was because of the financial constraints state is facing on account of Ladki Bahin scheme.
"Govt is not deliberately delaying the loan waiver; it is getting delayed," Abitkar, who is also Kolhapur's district guardian minister, said at a gathering of Mahayuti functionaries to discuss the allocation of district planning and development council funds.
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t was Devendra Fadnavis who gave an assurance of a loan waiver during the assembly election campaign, Congress MLC Satej Patil said. "Then Ajit Pawar said he was not the one who made the promise. Therefore, we are doubtful about the intentions of govt. As per the assurance to Kadu, a committee to study his demand on farm loan waiver will be set up in 15 days. We demand that the panel be given a timeline to submit its report.
"
Animal husbandry and dairy development minister Atul Save, however, said BJP's poll manifesto never promised a loan waiver to farmers.
"You may check it for yourself. The promises made are being implemented in a phased manner based on priority," the BJP politician said at a press conference in Hingoli. He visited the district as part of an outreach campaign to mark 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led govt at Centre.
Reacting to the statement, the legislative council's leader of opposition, Ambadas Danve, said that the power has gone to the head of BJP and its leadership.
"The farmers will show them their place," he said.
Following Kadu's withdrawal from the hunger strike in Amravati district on Saturday, Shetti announced cancellation of his planned chakka jam (road blockade) across Maharashtra on June 15, which was intended to advocate for a loan waiver.
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