The winter session of the Maharashtra state legislature commenced in Nagpur on Monday under a cloud of protest, with agrarian distress, unpaid compensation, and a stalled farm loan waiver set to dominate the proceedings.
Opposition Boycott Highlights Government's 'Lack of Seriousness'
In a significant move, opposition parties boycotted the customary pre-session tea meeting on Sunday. They accused the government of showing a lack of seriousness in addressing the deepening rural crisis. The boycott also served as a protest against the delay in officially recognising the Leaders of Opposition in both legislative houses, a step opposition leaders say is intended to stifle structured debate during the short session.
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, addressing a press conference on Sunday, stated that agrarian distress had intensified across the regions of Vidarbha and Marathwada. Citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), he highlighted the alarming rate of farmer suicides. "Every day, six to eight farmers die by suicide. The government promised a loan waiver, but it is yet to be announced," Wadettiwar said.
Crop Loss, Low Prices, and Policy Shocks
Wadettiwar detailed the multiple crises facing farmers. He pointed to heavy losses suffered by cotton, soyabean, and jowar-bajra growers due to unseasonal rains, low market prices, and procedural delays in compensation. Farmers are still waiting for promised relief payments for crop damage.
He also criticised recent changes in the import duty on cotton, arguing that the reduction has further depressed prices for local producers. "Farmers in Vidarbha are already struggling, and the reduction in duty has pushed prices further down," he asserted. The opposition fears the short duration of the session will limit thorough discussion on these urgent relief measures.
Government Accused of Avoiding Accountability
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav explained that the boycott was meant to spotlight the government's unwillingness to face tough questions on rural hardship. He accused the administration of consistently avoiding debates on critical issues directly affecting farmers, including:
- Delayed crop loss surveys
- Unpaid compensation
- Questionable fund allocation patterns
Adding to the confusion, opposition leaders highlighted discrepancies in proposals sent to the Central government for assistance to farmers affected by incessant rains. Wadettiwar claimed that even Union ministers had indicated that the state's proposal did not reach them on time. "How long will farmers wait? Even basic procedural work is not being done properly," he questioned.
Wadettiwar also took aim at statements from ministers in the ruling alliance, calling them lacking in empathy. "When farmers are in distress, calling them freeloaders or blaming them for seeking help is unacceptable," he stated.
Despite the boycott of the tea meeting, opposition parties have vowed to raise these key issues forcefully inside the legislature starting Monday. "This government may avoid discussions, but we will ensure farmers' voices are heard," Wadettiwar declared, setting the stage for a contentious winter session focused squarely on the state's agricultural crisis.
