Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday criticised DCM Ajit Pawar over his statement on farmers’ crop loan waivers, saying, “Promises made during elections don’t always translate directly into actions.” Raut said if Ajit Pawar cannot waive loans and cannot give Rs 2,100 to his ‘beloved sisters’, he should resign.
“Finance minister Ajit Pawar’s language during the assembly elections, as well as the language of Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, was different. From waiving farmers’ loans to giving Rs 2,100 to his beloved sisters, all three leaders were speaking with emphasis on this. Now Ajit Pawar has washed his hands of this. If Ajit Pawar cannot waive loans and cannot give Rs 2,100 to his beloved sisters, he should resign. He should resign on his own on the issue of morality for breaking his promise in Maharashtra,” Raut said.
“Eknath Shinde said that he will fulfil his promise no matter what. When Ajit Pawar and his party announced that they would give Rs 2100 to their beloved sisters and waive their loans, Eknath Shinde was CM. Therefore, this responsibility is more on Shinde. How will Shinde fulfil his promise? CM Fadnavis and DCM Ajit Pawar are saying no. Shinde should take a stand that he will sit on a hunger strike until the farmers are given a loan waiver and Rs 2100 to his beloved sisters. He should show that he will die if his promise is not fulfilled. In front of Shinde’s eyes, his beloved sisters are being cheated. What is he doing? Sitting in the govt? Sit on a hunger strike, protest in front of Ajit Pawar’s bungalow. If you are a Shiv Sainik,” Raut said.
Speaking at an event in Baramati, Ajit Pawar admitted that election promises don’t always translate into immediate action and that future decisions will depend on prevailing circumstances. However, he assured that 0% interest loans would be available to ease the burden on farmers.