After facing a defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, the Eknath Shinde-led Maha Yuti government is preparing to present a populist budget amidst demands from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for a complete loan waiver for farmers. The political turmoil coincides with the last sitting of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly before the upcoming state polls.
The government, reeling from agrarian distress and reservation issues, is under pressure to address the concerns of farmers. Chief Minister Shinde has promised an all-inclusive budget, with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar set to present the State Budget for 2024-25.
Opposition leader Uddhav Thackeray has called for an immediate farm loan waiver, highlighting the mounting challenges faced by farmers in the state. The Economic Survey for 2023-24 projects modest growth in key sectors, with a focus on agriculture and allied activities.
As Maharashtra grapples with fluctuating rainfall patterns and agricultural production, the government is under scrutiny to deliver impactful policies that address the root causes of farmer distress.