Uddhav Thackeray Leads Massive Protest Demanding Rs 50,000 Per Hectare Compensation and Complete Loan Waiver for Maharashtra Farmers

Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis challenged Uddhav Thackeray's credibility in leading the farmers' protest movement.

Mumbai:

Uddhav Thackeray, the former Maharashtra chief minister, along with his Shiv Sena (UBT) party, initiated a demonstration on Friday calling for immediate agricultural relief measures, including comprehensive loan forgiveness and compensation amounting to Rs 50,000 per hectare.

Thackeray accused the current administration of deceiving farmers with what he termed a "Rs 31,000 crore lie" and cautioned that failure to address these demands before Diwali would trigger larger demonstrations across Maharashtra.

"The farming community has clearly communicated to me that Rs 50,000 per hectare compensation and complete loan forgiveness are essential requirements. The government has announced a Rs 31,000 crore package, presenting it as the country's most substantial relief effort; however, it represents the biggest deception," Thackeray stated.

Criticism of Prime Minister Modi

During the demonstration, Thackeray criticized the Maharashtra government's apparent indifference to agricultural hardships, highlighting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no reference to farmers during his recent state visit.

Referencing the Prime Minister's 2014 pledge to double agricultural incomes, the Shiv Sena UBT leader remarked, "It's now 2025; not only has income doubling failed to materialize, but farmers' suffering is being ignored. Today, our agricultural community is forced to sell their wives' mangalsutras; why is this distress being overlooked?"

'Willing to Support Government Package If...'

Thackeray indicated on Friday that Shiv Sena UBT would endorse the Maharashtra government's relief package if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis transferred Rs 1 lakh per hectare directly to farmers' accounts before the Diwali festival.

"The Chief Minister questions my moral authority to lead this protest. Did we not implement loan waivers during MVA (Mahavikas Aghadi) governance? This isn't merely a warning demonstration but a signal of intent. If loan forgiveness isn't implemented, we'll expand this movement throughout Maharashtra," Thackeray warned.

He also encouraged farmers to maintain resilience. "Do not surrender to fear or contemplate suicide; we will pursue this cause to its conclusion," Thackeray affirmed, announcing plans to visit every district after Diwali to monitor relief distribution.

Details of the Government Relief Package

The state administration has introduced a Rs 31,000 crore assistance package for farmers affected by September flooding.

Crop damage extended across more than 65 lakh hectares, with significant losses reported in cotton, soybean, onion, and pomegranate cultivation.

From the total package, Rs 17,675 crore is allocated for crop damage compensation, while farmers will receive Rs 30,000 for each damaged well and Rs 10,000 per hectare to support Rabi season planting. Additional funding addresses livestock losses, home repairs, and medical expenses.

Government officials maintain that Rs 21,000 crore from the package will be transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts, with both central and state governments contributing Rs 6,000 each under separate assistance programs.

Fadnavis Criticizes Team Thackeray's Protest

Chief Minister Fadnavis questioned Uddhav Thackeray's legitimacy in leading the protest, noting that during Thackeray's tenure as chief minister, he announced a Rs 20,000 crore loan waiver program that essentially mirrored relief measures already implemented by the previous BJP-led administration three years earlier.

"His actions weren't exceptional. He promised Rs 50,000 for current account holders but failed to allocate any funds. When our government assumed office, we resolved the outstanding dues of 16 lakh farmers," Fadnavis stated.

He further alleged that Thackeray was organizing street demonstrations "merely to maintain his party's political relevance."