Pawar takes credit for loan waivers

Sounding the bugle for the next Lok Sabha elections, union minister for agriculture Sharad Pawar addressed farmers in Yeola and reminded them of his party’s initiatives in waiving off loans.

Pawar was speaking at a public rally in Yeola on Tuesday, where he inaugurated various developmental works.

“Nobody is making any noise about onions because farmers are getting a good price. Many in Delhi complained about the rising price of onions, but I let the farmers get the benefit this time,” Pawar said, adding that in these times of global recession, the Indian economy was better placed because farmers had been stable for the two years.

“This year, wheat looks better. And so is cotton,” he said. Despite the loan waiver of about Rs800 crore by the Centre and the state government, some people were unhappy, he said. “The farmer should survive and so we are extending a helping hand to him.” Pawar also stressed on the need to stand united, citing the recent Mumbai attacks. “We will have to focus on unity and prosperity,” he said.

The public rally was almost a show of strength for Chhagan Bhujbal, with about 20,000 people attending. In his speech, Bhujbal thanked the people for supporting him in developing the town. “We could do more than what was promised,” he said.

Pawar inaugurated nine projects in Yeola. He began by inaugurating the 79-km four-lane stretch between Nashik and Yeola. He also inaugurated a drama theatre, sports complex, an ITI building and a state-of-the-art rural hospital, along with the rural secretariat complex.