Opposition plans to corner govt over agrarian distress

Nagpur: Agrarian distress, unpaid compensation and stalled loan waiver for farmers are among the issues set to dominate the state legislature's winter session beginning here from Monday. The opposition parties on Sunday boycotted the customary pre-session tea meeting to protest govt's lack of seriousness in addressing rural distress. They also objected to the delay in recognising Leaders of Opposition in both Houses, calling it a sign that the govt does not want structured debate during the short session.At a press briefing on Sunday, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said agrarian distress had deepened across Vidarbha and Marathwada. He referred to farmer suicide data of the NCRB and said the state was failing to respond with urgency. "Every day, six to eight farmers die by suicide. The govt promised a loan waiver, but it is yet to be announced," he said. Wadettiwar added that crop damage from unseasonal rains, low prices and procedural delays had caused heavy losses for cotton, soyabean and jowar-bajra growers, who are still waiting for compensation.Wadettiwar said recent changes in import duty on cotton had also hurt local producers. "Farmers in Vidarbha are already struggling, and the reduction in duty has pushed prices further down," he said. Wadettiwar said the opposition expected a detailed discussion inside the House on relief but feared the short duration of the session might limit debate.Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav said the opposition boycott was meant to highlight govt's unwillingness to face tough questions on rural hardship. Jadhav said govt had consistently avoided discussions on matters directly affecting farmers, including crop loss surveys, delayed compensation and fund allocation patterns.Opposition leaders also pointed to confusion over proposals sent to the Centre for assistance to farmers hit by incessant rains. Wadettiwar said even Union ministers had conveyed that the state's proposal did not reach them on time. "How long will farmers wait? Even basic procedural work is not being done properly," he said.Wadettiwar criticised statements made by ministers in the ruling alliance, saying such comments reflected a lack of empathy. "When farmers are in distress, calling them freeloaders or blaming them for seeking help is unacceptable," he said.Opposition parties said they intend to raise key issue inside the House starting Monday. "This govt may avoid discussions, but we will ensure farmers' voices are heard," Wadettiwar said.