Mumbai, March 28, 2025: The Maharashtra Congress has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Mahayuti government, accusing it of betraying farmers and failing to deliver on key election promises. The controversy erupted after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that crop loans must be repaid by March 31 without any relief, despite the government’s earlier commitment to waive farmers’ debts.
Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal, addressing a press conference in Ulhasnagar, questioned the government’s credibility with the sharp remark, “Dada, kya hua tera wada?” (Dada, what happened to your promise?). He alleged that the Mahayuti alliance used false promises to win votes but is now backtracking, leaving thousands of farmers in distress. Many rural areas in Maharashtra are already struggling due to delayed monsoons and falling crop prices, further worsening the financial crisis for farmers.
Ladki Bahin Scheme Fails to Deliver
Sapkal also criticized the Ladki Bahin scheme, which was supposed to provide ₹2,100 per month to women. However, beneficiaries have received only ₹1,500, and nearly 10 lakh eligible women have been excluded without any explanation. He slammed the government, calling it a “fraud on women and farmers,” and highlighted the lack of budget allocation for both schemes.
Economic Mismanagement and Attack on Democracy
The Congress leader went further, blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic policies for damaging small businesses and the middle class. He argued that demonetization and GST had severely impacted Maharashtra’s MSME sector, particularly in industrial zones like Ulhasnagar. “During the UPA era, millions rose into the middle class, but under Modi’s rule, they are facing bankruptcy,” he remarked, contrasting Manmohan Singh’s economic policies with what he called the Modi government’s “anti-poor” governance.
Sapkal also condemned the delayed local body elections, accusing the BJP of suppressing democracy by postponing elections for mayors and sarpanches for the past three years. He claimed that Modi and Fadnavis want complete control over the system, calling it an attack on federalism.
What’s Next?
As tensions rise, farmers’ unions have warned of statewide protests if the March 31 deadline for loan repayment is not extended. Meanwhile, women’s groups are reportedly preparing legal challenges against exclusions from the Ladki Bahin scheme. With public discontent growing, the issue is expected to dominate debates in Maharashtra’s upcoming monsoon assembly session.
The political battle over loan waivers and broken promises is set to intensify as opposition parties prepare to capitalize on the government’s failures ahead of the municipal elections.
