Sena remains focussed on farmers’ plight

Even though Uddhav Thackeray has time and asserted that his party will in no way pull the plug on the BJP-led Devendra Fadnavis government, the Shiv Sena has begun consolidating its support base and remains committed to alleviating the plight of the farmers, a potential game-changer issue in the next Assembly polls.

From Saturday, Sena legislators have been the eight districts of Marathwada region. Every MLA was accompanied by the party’s district president and former or sitting corporators from the area.

Called Sampark Abhiyan, the aim is to gather all information about the farmers’ plight, figures of tur dal procurement from the area and details of farmers who have committed suicide. “We have gathered all the facts. We have also reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the Sena’s organisational setup,” said an MLA who is part of the several teams that are touring Marathwada.

Marathwada, incidentally, was a Sena stronghold and the party is keen to strengthen the base. “We have heard that the Bharatiya Janata Party is toying with the idea of mid-term polls in the state and we should be prepared,” the MLA added.

Uddhav Thackeray, too, ruled out any such thoughts. While addressing the media in Aurangabad, he said, “The problem of the farmers must be addressed. I will take a decision about our further course of action should the government fail to provide relief to farmers… The chief minister has said that he is considering a loan-waiver scheme, I see nothing of the sort happening.”

He further said, “Though Fadnavis had assured to conside about waive off loan of farmers, I can’t noticed he (CM) has taken initiative towards it.”

The problem of the farmers must be addressed. I will take a decision about our further course of action should the govt fail to provide relief to farmers Uddhav Thackeray