Politicians turn to farmers amid govt impasse

Mumbai: Even as hectic parleys continue over forming the new government, the Congress, NCP and the Shiv Sena have also reiterated their commitment towards providing help to farmers affected by unseasonal rains.

According to sources, a farm loan waiver is likely to be one of the top agendas in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday visited Sangli and Satara districts in Western Maharashtra. Mr Thackeray met distressed farmers and took stock of crop losses owing to the unseasonal rains this year.

“You (farmers) should not bow down but stand firmly. Don’t get disappointed. We will se how we can provide assistance to you as soon as possible,” Mr Thackeray said.     

In Satara, Mr Thackeray told farmers not to worry about the delay in government formation in the state. “I had assured farmers that I would free them from debt. I will honour that commitment,” he said. In an apparent dig at the BJP, the Sena chief added, “The Sena honours commitments and does not break it.”

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, after touring Vidarbha region, said he would apprise the Union agriculture and finance ministries of the crisis across the state.

Mr Pawar said, “Most of the important crops are severely damaged. These include orange, sweet lime, soybean, cotton and paddy. Farmers are facing huge losses.”

Speaking with reporters at Gandhi Bhavan in south Mumbai, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said that his party would demand faster disbursal of the special Rs 10,000 crore package announced earlier.