In response to escalating political pressure and grassroots agitation, a decision has been taken by the Maharashtra government to establish a committee that will assess the viability of a farm loan waiver. The move has been prompted by an ongoing hunger strike led by former independent legislator Bachchu Kadu, whose ultimatum to stop water intake had heightened urgency.
The announcement was conveyed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule in an official letter, which was personally handed over to Kadu by Industries Minister Uday Samant. According to the communication, the committee is expected to be set up within 15 days. A mandate will be given to evaluate possible suspension of loan recoveries from defaulting farmers and to suggest pathways for fresh credit issuance. Recommendations from this panel are expected to inform subsequent government decisions.
Kadu has been staging his protest in the Amravati district for over a week, calling attention to various socio-economic issues. Among his primary demands are complete farm loan waivers, educational scholarships for farmers' children, and a monthly honorarium of ₹6,000 for disabled individuals. The movement has been supported across party lines. A phone call of solidarity was reportedly made by NCP-SP president Sharad Pawar. A state-wide protest involving road blockades had been planned for June 15 to further intensify pressure on the state.
An on-site visit by Minister Bawankule had also been undertaken, during which Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was contacted for immediate consultation. It has been stated that decisions related to financial provisions for disabled citizens would be considered during the upcoming monsoon session of the legislature. Additional demands are scheduled to be reviewed in a meeting involving the chief minister and other cabinet officials. Simultaneously, disruptions were reported at a public event attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Supporters of Kadu were involved in protests that halted proceedings, demanding immediate governmental action. Despite reassurances that a comprehensive evaluation of demands was in motion, protestors were eventually removed from the venue by security personnel.
The state’s opposition, particularly the Congress party, has strongly criticized the formation of the committee. Allegations have been made that the decision serves as a political maneuver rather than a genuine attempt to resolve agrarian distress. Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal accused the ruling alliance of breaking election promises and cited delays in schemes like Ladki Bahin. Senior leader Balasaheb Thorat questioned the prioritization of funds, pointing to extensive infrastructure spending while relief for distressed farmers remains deferred.
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