Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Thursday that the state government has established a high-level committee to conduct a survey identifying farmers genuinely in need of a loan waiver. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule emphasized the need to exclude ineligible beneficiaries, such as those owning farmhouses or luxury assets like Mercedes cars, from the waiver scheme promised in the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s 2024 election manifesto. “A survey will list actual needy farmers for loan waivers,” he said, adding that the process will be completed soon.

The 23-member committee, chaired by Bawankule, was formed on August 1 to address rural infrastructure issues and ensure fair implementation of the waiver, aligning with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s July 11 commitment during the monsoon legislative session. The initiative follows criticism from opposition leaders like Congress’ Harshavardhan Sapkal, who accused the government of delaying the promised relief and favoring corporate interests. Bawankule reiterated the government’s focus on farmers’ welfare, citing Rs 16,000 crore in crop damage relief and Rs 45,000 crore for allied agricultural businesses.

Addressing opposition claims of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering, Bawankule dismissed them as inconsistent, noting, “EVMs are good when they win, bad when they lose.” He also downplayed Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s frequent Delhi visits, calling them routine for NDA coordination with PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The survey’s outcome is expected to shape the Mahayuti’s farmer-focused policies amid rising political tensions.

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