'Poll Promises Don’t Always…': Ajit Pawar's Remark On Loan Waiver Sparks Row, Shinde Responds

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Last Updated:March 29, 2025, 21:31 IST

“As of March 28, I want to clearly inform the people of Maharashtra through this program to repay their crop loans by March 31. Promises made during elections don't always translate directly into actions...", Pawar said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday stirred a debate while addressing the concerns regarding loan waivers, saying that citizens must repay their crop loans by March 31.

While addressing a gathering in Baramati, the state finance minister said that that election promises don’t always translate into immediate action and that future decisions will depend on prevailing circumstances.

“As of March 28, I want to clearly inform the people of Maharashtra through this program to repay their crop loans by March 31. Promises made during elections don’t always translate directly into actions…Considering the current circumstances, decisions will be made in the future. However, for now and even next year, loans taken must be repaid. On a positive note, arrangements have been made to avail of loans at 0% interest," he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

Baramati, Pune: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar says, “Whether it’s Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis or Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the focus remains on working for the welfare of the people. Recently, many citizens raised concerns about the election manifesto’s promise of loan… pic.twitter.com/VPBjY3iZPo— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2025

He further emphasised that the Maharashtra government’s focus remains on working for the welfare of the people, whether it’s for CM Devendra Fadnavis or Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

Pawar further addressed the elephant in the room – the state’s financial commitments. While presenting the state budget of Rs 7.20 lakh crore, Pawar highlighted the significant burden of waiving electricity bills worth about Rs 65,000 crore.

The finance minister further said that the government has to foot the bill for these waived electricity charges, which is a substantial expense. “Whatever was said does not come into action directly because while presenting a budget of Rs 7.20 lakh crore, electricity bills worth about Rs 65,000 crore have been waived off, meaning you don’t, but we, the government, have to pay it," he added.

Pawar also outlined the financial burden of various welfare schemes, including Rs 45,000 crore allocated for the Ladki Bahin Yojana. Additionally, Rs 3.5 lakh crore is required for salaries, pensions, and loan interest payments. “If we add Rs 65,000 crore and Rs 3.5 lakh crore, nearly Rs 4.25 lakh crore is already spent. The remaining funds have to cover essential expenses like school books, uniforms, electricity, water, and roads," he added.

While recalling his recent Kolhapur visit, Pawar mentioned that his colleague Hasan Mushrif had urged him to address the issue of crop loan waivers, as many farmers were awaiting relief. “Yesterday, I was in Kolhapur, and even there, Hasan Mushrif asked me to quickly decide as people are not paying and are waiting… Hence, we will take a decision after assessing the situation. Right now, the conditions do not allow for a waiver, so this year’s and next year’s loans must be repaid," Pawar added.

Meanwhile, his colleague and other Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the government will fulfil all promises made in the election manifesto. He also called for maintaining balance in the state finances, adding that funds should be available for welfare schemes, development, and employees’ salaries, ABP news reported.

However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Dance accused Mahayuti allies of misleading farmers during elections and said that the state government’s inability to waive crop loans will increase the financial burden on the poor agriculturists.