Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday accused state government over delayed loan waiver decision for flood-hit farmers and said the the Fadnavis govt was ‘mocking farmers’.
He accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of “mocking” flood and rain-hit farmers by announcing that the state government would take a decision on the farm loan waiver only by June 30 next year.
Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing a press conference, said that the Mahayuti government must immediately implement loan waivers to help farmers who suffered extensive crop losses after heavy rains hit Marathwada in late September.
“Farmers are protesting for loan relief. The Chief Minister says the decision will come in June 2026. Should they keep paying instalments till then? How will it benefit banks in June if not now?” Uddhav Thackeray questioned.
CM Fadnavis had made the announcement following a meeting with former MLA Bachchu Kadu, saying a high-level committee led by economist Pravin Pardeshi would submit recommendations by April 2026.
Uddhav also criticised the Central inspection team’s short visit to Marathwada, saying it was “impossible to assess the real damage in just two or three days.”
पक्षप्रमुख मा. श्री. उद्धवसाहेब ठाकरे ह्यांची पत्रकार परिषद | मातोश्री, मुंबई – #LIVE https://t.co/A4Jj7hFTvY
— ShivSena – शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) November 3, 2025
He alleged that no proposal for Central aid had been sent despite PM Narendra Modi’s suggestion.
“Farmers have taken to the streets demanding loan waiver. The Chief Minister says it will be done in June next year. Should farmers pay instalments till then or not? He (CM) claims if waiver is done now, it will benefit banks. How will it not benefit them in June,” Thackeray questioned while addressing a press conference in Mumbai on Monday, reported the PTI.
Uddhav further demanded immediate relief of Rs 50,000 per hectare for affected farmers, citing cases where some in Palghar reportedly received as little as Rs 2 in crop insurance compensation.
Recalling his tenure, Uddhav Thackeray said the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government had waived loans up to Rs 2 lakh “without conditions” and questioned why the current government had not announced a second phase.
Uddhav Thackeray announced that he would tour Marathwada from November 5 to hold meetings with affected farmers, but clarified that he would not address any public rallies.
(with PTI inputs)
