Opposition Rallies for Farmer Loan Waiver in Maharashtra

Opposition members protested at the Maharashtra assembly's winter session, demanding a full loan waiver for farmers affected by low soybean sales. Led by Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders, they accused the government of delaying soybean purchases, causing farmers to sell below the minimum support price.

Opposition members staged a demonstration at Vidhan Bhawan in Maharashtra on the second day of the assembly's winter session, advocating for a comprehensive loan waiver for the state's farmers.

Prominent leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi, including Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar, Shiv Sena's Aditya Thackeray, and NCP's Shashikant Shinde, spearheaded the protest, voicing their concerns with fervent slogans on the steps of the legislative building.

The opposition leaders criticized the state government for its delayed procurement of soybeans, a situation that forced farmers to sell their produce at Rs 4,000 per quintal, significantly lower than the minimum support price of Rs 5,328. They urged the government to grant a full loan waiver to alleviate the financial distress faced by the farmers.

(With inputs from agencies.)