While the discussion about providing aid to flood-hit farmers is still going on, Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday held protests in parts of Maharashtra. The protest was organised against the state government`s financial assistance to the rain-hit farmers. Shiv Sena (UBT), while protesting, alleges that the aid offered to the farmers is “inadequate”. Furthermore, party leader Sanjay Raut also asked about how the government that is reeling under a debt burden would raise the money.
As reported by news agency PTI, the state government on Tuesday announced a compensation package of Rs 31,628 crore for farmers who suffered massive losses due to rains and floods, asserting the total assistance will be Rs 48,000 per hectare.
Reacting to the government`s announcement of financial aid being unfair, opposition parties – Congress and NCP (SP) – dubbed the relief package as “hollow” and “too meagre” to help agriculturists rebuild their lives.
The opposition parties further demanded more “robust” assistance as well as a concrete rehabilitation plan, reported PTI.
On Wednesday, party workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) staged protests in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Solapur districts, where they demanded a complete loan waiver.
As reported by news agency PTI, party leader Asmita Gaikwad said that the farmers have turned bankrupt on the eve of Diwali due to heavy rains, but the government has failed to take cognisance of their plight.
While staging a protest outside the collector’s office, she asserted, “The government is yet to announce Rs 50,000 per hectare, and the relief amount announced by it is inadequate. The government should stop the drama of doing panchanama (cross-loss assessment) and instead give money to farmers immediately,” as per PTI.
Another protester said the government`s policy is anti-farmers, and nothing can be expected from it.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced a relief package of over Rs 31,000 crore, but the state already has a debt of Rs 9 lakh crore.
Raut emphasised, “In such a scenario, how will the state government raise Rs 31,000 crore and extend the benefit to farmers? There is no money in the state coffers,” as cited by PTI.
Furthermore, Sanjay Raut said that there was no mention of a farm loan waiver from the government.
Taking a jibe at the Prime Minister, Sanjay Raut also stated that, “Had the PM announced the relief package, then the money would have come from the Centre,” as per PTI.
Sanjay Raut further highlighted that, in view of showing support to the farmer, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will also hold a protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on October 11.
(With inputs from PTI)
