Agrarian Crisis: NCP banks on farm unrest to turn heat on Centre, state govt

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It is also a tactical decision on part of the party to negate the good will generated in favour of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s government after a slew of measures taken to help farmers. The chief minister has announced lower interest rates, zero interest in first year and extended repayment period from three to five years.

At the end of his two-day tour of Marathwada, Pawar said, “It appears the Centre is more concerned about addressing the problems of big industries. They are not willing to provide more financial relief to farmers for their yield.”

Pawar’s decision to hop villages in Marathwada, which is worst affected by drought, is part of the strategy to counter both the Opposition Congress and the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena combine.

A senior NCP functionary said, “Pawarsaheb going to drought-hit regions is nothing new. He is always touring. His experience and interaction with the grassroot workers and people would certainly help the organisation.”

The NCP believes it can position itself as the main opposition party in the state on this issue, after the Congress has taken a lead with its vice-president Rahul Gandhi visiting drought-hit states, including Maharashtra.

NCP political managers said sustained attack against the prime minister for his foreign policy or economic policy would not help the party in Maharashtra, while agriculture crisis would certainly help it connect to the farmers and people across the state.

Pawar, who has always supported higher remuneration for food grains, is building up a case on this issue against the Centre.