12.37 pm: The Leader of Opposition charged that the Government is giving a firm assurance aimed at resolving farmers’ problems. The produce of farmers has come down by 60 percent. The ‘sahukars’ (private money-lenders) possessed bogus figures of farm debts. The Government, instead of heeding Opposition demands, is acting on its own whims.
Replying to the tirade, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a remedy is found out of a debate. Over 50 percent of farmers have not taken loans. Only waiver of debts would not be sufficient to provide relief to farmers. Around 20000 villages are in the grip of drought since the past four years. The opposition should come forward and share their experience for easing the situation in these villages. This move by Opposition would help Government in arriving at a decision in the interests of farmers, asserted the Chief Minister.
Not satisfied with the reply, the Leader of Opposition announced walk out from the House. At 12.45 pm, the Chief Minister said that the Opposition parties are not interested in farmers’ issues. They should get rid of selfishness and come on one platform. I condemn the attitude of Opposition when the farmers of the State are distressed, countered the Chief Minister.
