The Maharashtra assembly witnessed a pro-farmer budget on Thursday as CM Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a ₹7.69 lakh crore plan for 2026-27. At the heart of it lies a massive loan forgiveness scheme for farmers, announced amid cheers from the treasury benches.
Speaking to reporters post-presentation, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde described it as a ‘big decision’ by the state government. Under the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjamaafi Yojana,’ farmers with dues up to ₹2 lakh till September 30, 2025, will see their crop loans erased. Shinde recalled his earlier announcement as CM and credited the collaborative effort with Fadnavis and the late Ajit Pawar.
‘We’ve fulfilled our promise to the farmers. They deserve this relief,’ Shinde said, extending congratulations. He took a moment to applaud PM Modi’s role in boosting India’s economy to the world’s third spot, enhancing national pride globally.
Turning to critics, Shinde accused opposition figures of manufacturing controversies around the PM for media attention. He also pushed for a grand memorial for Ajit Pawar, whose absence is deeply felt, noting the budget’s allocation for it.
Allies echoed the sentiment. Shiv Sena’s Nilesh Rane praised the CM for equitable provisions across society. Minister Yogesh Kadam beamed over the waiver, offering special thanks to Shinde.
As Maharashtra navigates economic challenges, this waiver emerges as a beacon of hope for its agrarian backbone, potentially stabilizing rural economies and bolstering the ruling coalition’s image.