Shiv Sena, Congress for complete loan waiver

Mumbai: After the BJP-led government’s announcement on granting loan waivers with conditions to farmers, the Shiv Sena and Congress on Wednesday, separately, demanded a complete loan waiver for farmers.

When revenue minister Chandrakant Patil met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday at the latter’s residence to discuss the issue, the Sena chief pushed for a complete waiver. He asked Mr Patil to make “7/12 (land document) of farmers clear”. Mr Thackeray said that he would send his suggestions after the state appointed committee prepares a draft for the loan waiver.

After the meeting, Shiv Sena minister Diwakar Raote said that the party was fully in support of the farmers. “We have presented our views that the 7/12 of farmers should be cleared completely. Uddhavji has asked the government to let him know their decision on implementation of the loan waiver. He will share his ideas when a draft is ready. All the farmers should get loan waiver,” he added.

Speaking to the media, Mr Patil said the government would not include any land ceiling for the loan waiver. He was referring to the five-acre land limit decided for the earlier waiver. “We have reached a consensus that the maximum farmers should receive the benefit of a loan waiver. I have explained the data and information that we have to Uddhavji. He has agreed on several issues. He told me that we should meet again and discuss the issue further.”

Shiv Sena on Tuesday had claimed the credit of the loan waiver. The Sena workers had also participated in the strike called by farmers a few days back. The party leaders expressed their ire at not being included in a committee to negotiate with the farmers initially. Later, Sena minister Diwakar Raote was included in the committee.

In the afternoon, Congress state president Ashok Chavan held a meeting of all the leaders and demanded there should be no conditions attached to the loan waiver. After holding a meeting with senior Congress leaders, he demanded that the government declare a date for the waiver.

“Chandrakant Patil met me. We support the loan waiver but it should not have any conditions like land ceiling or financial income. It should also include loans related to agriculture. The state should also announce when waiver would be given. Marathawada farmers should also benefit from the decision,” Mr Chavan said.