Bachchu Kadu, leader of the Prahar Janshakti Party, began an indefinite hunger strike with 17 key demands, including loan waiver for farmers. Today marks the sixth day of his protest. His health has deteriorated, prompting Maharashtra Energy Minister and Amravati Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to visit him at the protest site.
During the visit, Bawankule called Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and held a phone conversation between Fadnavis and Bachchu Kadu. On the call, Fadnavis made a major announcement regarding farmer loan waivers.
Loan Waiver Committee to Be Formed
Bawankule revealed that Fadnavis assured the formation of an immediate committee for loan waiver, and that Bachchu Kadu will be included in this committee. Based on the committee’s report, a decision on the loan waiver will be made, he stated.
What Exactly Did Bawankule Say?
“We will hold a meeting regarding Bachchu Kadu’s 17 demands. All concerned departmental ministers will attend, and so will Bachchu Kadu,” said Bawankule.
He added that issues like grants for the differently abled need to be addressed in the budget and will be presented in the upcoming session. The decision regarding how much increase to allow will be taken by the Chief Minister, both Deputy Chief Ministers, and Bachchu Kadu jointly.
Farmer Data Collection Before Loan Waiver
During the discussion on farmers’ loan waiver, Fadnavis reportedly said that the data of indebted farmers will be collected first, and then a solution will be finalized. However, when Kadu asked the gathered farmers whether they agreed with this, they responded negatively, demanding immediate and universal loan waiver instead.
Kadu Still Firm on Continuing Hunger Strike
Bawankule also said that he would raise the issue of offering new farm loans in the upcoming Cabinet meeting and push for a decision. Despite these assurances, Bachchu Kadu remains firm and declared:
“We are not satisfied with this response. We will not withdraw our hunger strike until full loan waiver is granted.”
