Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil has stirred up a significant controversy with his recent comments. He purportedly stated that people have become overly focused on loan waivers and candidly admitted that politicians offer assurances during elections primarily to secure votes. These remarks were made during a public event, the specifics of which (time and location) remain unclear, but excerpts of his speech are now widely circulating on regional news channels.
The Minister, a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, faced immediate backlash. Even within the ruling coalition, his statements were met with disapproval. BJP leader and Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule quickly responded, emphasizing that no one should make such casual remarks regarding loan waivers, particularly at a time when farmers are facing immense financial hardship due to widespread heavy rains and floods across parts of the state.
During his speech, Mr. Patil asserted, “People have become obsessed with loan waivers. We politicians, in our desire to get elected, give you assurances during elections. But ultimately, it is the people who should decide what they truly want to ask for.” He further elaborated on this point, urging citizens to think critically about their demands from leaders seeking their votes.
To illustrate his point, Mr. Patil recounted an anecdote: “During election season, a leader visited a village, and the people declared, ‘We will vote for whoever brings a river to our village.’ Now, shouldn’t they consider the feasibility of such a request? The leader then responded, ‘Alright, we will even give you a river.’ This is precisely why I believe people must wisely consider their demands.” He concluded by reiterating, “We politicians make promises because we aim to win elections, but all these matters require serious contemplation.”
Revenue Minister Bawankule, in his strong rebuttal to Mr. Patil’s comments, stressed the importance of not making light of the loan waiver issue. He reminded everyone that the Mahayuti alliance’s manifesto explicitly included loan waivers for eligible farmers. Bawankule emphasized that those truly in need should receive this benefit, as many have dedicated years to farming but have been unable to repay their full loans.
He further added that a comprehensive survey is currently underway across the state, and a fitting decision regarding loan waivers will be made once the survey is complete. Bawankule reassured that loan waivers remain a key component of the Mahayuti government’s agenda. This discussion comes at a critical time, as heavy rainfall and floods in September devastated the Marathwada and surrounding regions, destroying crops across an estimated 68.69 lakh hectares. In response to these massive losses, the State government recently announced a substantial compensation package of ₹31,628 crore for affected farmers. Meanwhile, opposition parties continue to vociferously demand a complete loan waiver for the state’s struggling farmers.