People have become obsessed with loan waiver: NCP Minister Babasaheb Patil

"During election time, a leader visited one village, and people said: 'We will vote for whoever brings a river to our village'. Now, shouldn't they think about what they're asking for? The leader then said: 'Alright, we will give you a river too'. That's why I say people should decide wisely what they demand," he said.

By: Express News Service

Mumbai | October 10, 2025 07:46 PM IST

2 min read

In his speech, Patil said, "People have become obsessed with loan waiver. We (politicians) want to get elected, so we give you assurances during elections." (Credit: Facebook/Office Of Babasaheb Patil)

Adding to a series of controversial statements made by different ministers in Maharashtra, Babasaheb Patil, Co-operation Minister belonging to Nationalist Congress Party, courted controversy on Friday, saying that people have become obsessed with loan waiver. He added that politicians give assurances during elections as they want to win polls.

In his speech, Patil said, “People have become obsessed with loan waiver. We (politicians) want to get elected, so we give you assurances during elections. But it is the people who should decide what they really want to ask for.” He also said that people need to decide what they really want to ask from leaders who come to them seeking votes.

“During election time, a leader visited one village, and people said: ‘We will vote for whoever brings a river to our village’. Now, shouldn’t they think about what they’re asking for? The leader then said: ‘Alright, we will give you a river too’. That’s why I say people should decide wisely what they demand,” he said.

“We (politicians) make promises because we want to win elections, but all these things need serious thought,” he said.
Patil’s statement comes in the backdrop of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announcing a farm relief package of Rs 31,628 crore to the flood affected regions in the state. The opposition has, however, maintained its demand for a complete farm loan waiver.

His remarks drew flak from various quarters, including the ruling allies, with BJP leader and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule saying nobody should make statements on the loan waiver issue as farmers were facing serious financial distress in the wake of heavy rains and floods in parts of the state.

“The Mahayuti alliance’s manifesto clearly mentioned loan waiver for eligible farmers. Those genuinely in need should receive the benefit as many have been engaged in farming for years but were unable to repay their entire loan,” Bawankule said.

All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) general secretary Ajit Nawale said that Patil’s statement is infuriating. “At a time when the state government was adding more and more conditions for farmers to get the benefits of package, such statements put salt on the wounds of farmers,” said Nawale.

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