Opposition Raises Slogans, Demands Wider Coverage of Debt Relief Scheme
The opening day of the Maharashtra Monsoon Assembly Session on Monday witnessed a sharp political showdown as Opposition MLAs staged a protest inside the House over the state government’s farmer loan waiver scheme, setting a confrontational tone for the session.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, and several other opposition members raised slogans demanding broader inclusion of farmers under the debt relief programme. The protestors shouted slogans in Marathi urging the government to ensure that farmers’ land records are fully cleared and updated.
Loan Waiver Scheme at Centre of Political Clash
The protest comes amid ongoing debate over the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Debt Relief Scheme, approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet on June 2. The scheme promises loan waivers of up to ₹2 lakh for eligible farmers, with no landholding cap applied for inclusion.
However, opposition leaders argue that the implementation framework excludes a significant section of distressed farmers, prompting demands for a more comprehensive and unconditional waiver.
Government Sets Up Committees After Criticism
Following criticism over eligibility concerns, the state government on June 19 constituted three monitoring committees to oversee implementation of the scheme. A cabinet-level committee led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been tasked with supervising execution and addressing grievances related to beneficiary selection.
Tributes Paid to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Despite the protest, both ruling and opposition members participated in paying floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the beginning of the session. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with other leaders, attended the ceremony.
CM Defends Loan Waiver Policy
Ahead of the session, Chief Minister Fadnavis defended the government’s approach, stating that the loan waiver scheme is designed as an economic support measure rather than a political announcement. He reiterated that the initiative is expected to benefit around 56 lakh farmers across the state, with a total financial outlay of approximately ₹36,585 crore.
He also criticized the Opposition for repeatedly raising issues already addressed by the government, indicating a likely heated legislative battle throughout the session.
