Bachchu Kadu calls off indefinite fast as Maharashtra govt agrees to his demands

Former minister and independent legislator Bachchu Kadu has managed to bring the Maharashtra government to its knees. The government, which was dilly-dallying in its stand on the election time promise of a loan waiver to the farmers, has finally agreed to set up a high-powered committee to take a decision following indefinite fast agitation by Kadu in Amravati.

 

Kadu called off his fast after government representatives, including ministers Chandrakant Patil and Uday Samant, met him and made calls to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

 

The Mahayuti government during its election campaign had assured farmers of a loan waiver. After returning to power with a thumping majority, it was, however, postponing its decision about loan waivers. Since no decision was coming from the government, Kadu, who lost his seat in the elections, launched an indefinite fast agitation seven days ago.

 

From today Kadu was going to stop even water intake, but thankfully the issue was resolved with the government agreeing to his demands. Kadu is a maverick who heads the Prahar organisation, which has a strong presence in the Vidarbha region. He has been very active in the field of welfare of the handicapped.

 

One of his demands was payment of Rs 6,000 as an honorarium to handicapped persons. The government has said that the issue will be immediately taken up during the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature, and a decision will be taken after discussion.

 

The demands raised by Kadu were immediately supported by opposition MVA, which launched severe criticism of the government. Senior Congress leader and former revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat even questioned the need for a high-power committee to discuss loan waivers. He said that the government must fulfil its promises.

India