Farm loan waiver: Maharashtra govt committed to fulfill all poll promises, says Shinde

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde assures fulfillment of election promises, emphasizing financial stability and welfare schemes.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Saturday (March 29, 2025) said the government will fulfil all promises made in the election manifesto, a day after his cabinet colleague Ajit Pawar's 'farmers need not wait for a crop loan waiver' statement caused a flutter.

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He also called for maintaining balance in the State finances, adding that funds should be available for welfare schemes, development, and employees' salaries.

Mr. Shinde said the monthly aid for women under the Ladki Bahin Yojana will be raised from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100 after the State's financial condition is strengthened.

Mr. Shinde's assurance comes a day after Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar advised farmers to pay their crop loan instalments on time rather than awaiting a loan waiver announcement, citing the State's current financial constraints.

"Whatever promises we have mentioned in the manifesto, we will fulfil them. Each and every promise will be honoured. We will not call it a printing mistake," Shinde, who heads Shiv Sena, told reporters when asked to comment on Mr. Pawar's remarks.

Mr. Shinde visited Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's samadhi at Vadhu in Pune district on his death anniversary.