Maharashtra Assembly: Congress Leader Vijay Wadettiwar Slams Govt Over Broken Farm Promises, Demands Immediate Loan Waiver And Minister's Resignation

Mumbai: Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government in the Assembly , accusing it of betraying farmers after winning the elections. He demanded an immediate and unconditional farm loan waiver and criticized the formation of committees as an excuse to delay action.

Speaking on the opposition’s proposal concerning farmers' issues under Rule 293, Wadettiwar said, “Before elections, the ruling alliance promised full loan waivers and fair prices for crops. But now in power, they’ve slashed compensation amounts and are hiding behind committees.”

He pointed out that prior to elections, the government had promised Rs 13,500 per hectare for dryland crops, Rs 27,000 for irrigated land, and ₹36,000 for orchards — with a coverage limit of 3 hectares. Post-elections, this assistance has been significantly reduced to ₹8,500, ₹17,000, and ₹22,000 respectively, and the coverage is now limited to just 2 hectares.

Wadettiwar also slammed the state’s failure to ensure fair prices for key crops like soybean and paddy. “Even the minimum support price isn’t being given. What happened to the promise of giving farmers 1.5 times the input cost?” he questioned.

The Congress leader strongly criticized the State Agriculture Minister for repeatedly making insulting remarks about farmers. “A person who considers the Agriculture Department as irrelevant and makes insensitive statements should not hold such a crucial portfolio. He must resign. Give him any other department, but not the one that affects farmers’ lives,” Wadettiwar demanded.

He also lashed out at the government’s narrative of having “done a favor” by giving ₹6,000 under the PM-Kisan scheme. “What’s the point of giving ₹6,000 when fertilizer prices, pesticide costs, and input rates have all skyrocketed? It’s like putting money in one pocket and cutting from the other,” he said.

Wadettiwar questioned why the government is quick to waive loans for industrialists and fund large projects, but hesitant to help farmers in distress. “Does the government become paralyzed when it comes to farmers?” he asked.

He also raised concerns over the proposed Shaktipeeth Highway, which he claimed threatens to destroy fertile farmland. “Farmers are opposing the project, and we, the opposition, are their voice,” he asserted.

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Wadettiwar further criticized the failure of crop insurance companies, stating that farmers pay premiums but do not receive claims. “There must be an inquiry into who benefitted under the crop insurance scheme and which officials misused farmers’ land records to siphon off money,” he demanded.

In his address, Wadettiwar called for real accountability, not just hollow assurances, and urged the government to prioritize farmers' welfare over political theatrics.