Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday demanded a complete loan waiver for farmers in Maharashtra after heavy rains and floods destroyed crops across several parts of the state, news agency PTI reported. He also called for a special session of the state legislature to address the issue.
Attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the handling of the situation, Thackeray said, “I firmly believe the ruling party does not know how to govern.”
Since September 20, heavy rains and swollen rivers have caused widespread damage in parts of Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada, claiming at least nine lives. Crops on over 30,000 hectares were washed away, according to government data.
Speaking at a press conference, Thackeray said farmers have not only lost their crops but the floods have also eroded fertile layers of soil, making land unfit for sowing for the next three to five years.
UddhavSaheb Thackeray #LIVE | पत्रकार परिषद | मातोश्री, मुंबई https://t.co/1DwZuMcJYa
— Office of Uddhav Thackeray (@OfficeofUT) September 27, 2025
“Over and above this, the farmers have loans. It is now time to waive farm loans completely. We demand a full waiver for all farmers in the state as heavy rains have damaged standing crops,” he said.
Thackeray also urged the government to announce Rs 50,000 per hectare as relief for affected farmers, reported PTI.
He further demanded a special session of the state legislature to discuss the farmers’ plight in the aftermath of heavy rains.
On Friday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, seeking assistance for flood-battered farmers, especially in Marathwada, which experienced unprecedented rainfall. Thackeray suggested that the Prime Minister announce Rs 50,000 crore in aid for the state.
Seeking immediate relief, the Opposition parties, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Congress, have announced separate protests and urged the government to declare a “wet drought” in the state, PTI reported.
Thackeray also criticised the government for not providing the Rs 14,000 crore in financial assistance promised to farmers over the past two to three years. He added that ‘pucca’ houses should be provided under the PM Awas Yojana to those whose dwellings were damaged.
The former Maharashtra Chief Minister further accused the ruling party of displaying timidity by not allowing the assembly to have a Leader of Opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) has sought the post for its legislator Bhaskar Jadhav.
(With PTI inputs)
