Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has strongly criticised the state government`s recently announced Rs 31,628 crore relief package for farmers, calling it “the biggest joke in history,” reported the PTI.
Speaking at a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Saturday, Uddhav Thackeray warned that farmers could take to the streets unless the state declares a full loan waiver for those affected by floods and excessive rainfall.
“The financial aid announced by the Maharashtra government is nothing short of a mockery. Farmers have suffered massive losses, and what they need is a complete loan waiver, not half-hearted assistance,” Uddhav Thackeray said, according to the PTI.
The former Maharashtra CM also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the PM failed to mention the plight of farmers during his recent visit to Maharashtra, where he inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Uddhav Thackeray further accused the Mahayuti government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, of lacking the courage to appoint a Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, despite enjoying a strong majority.
Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing the rally, warned that the farmers will hit the streets if the state government fails to declare a “complete loan waiver” for farmers affected by floods and rainfall.
Earlier this week, the Fadnavis-led government announced a Rs 31,628 crore compensation package for farmers who suffered due to the recent floods. The aid includes Rs 48,000 per hectare for crop damage.
Fadnavis had said a loan waiver would be considered in due course and that a detailed memorandum on the extent of damages was being prepared for submission to the Central Government.
Meanwhile, speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a jibe at the former chief minister, saying how those who could never cross the threshold of their homes could take out a morcha for farmers, as per the PTI.
Reacting to Uddhav`s statements, Shinde on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, calling his rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar a display of “crocodile tears” and accusing him of exploiting farmers` pain for political mileage.
(with PTI inputs)