Wed Jul 02 10:25:01 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly witnessed heated debates and two walkouts by the opposition on July 2, 2025, due to concerns regarding farmer suicides, unpaid dues to soybean cultivators, and alleged insensitive remarks by government officials. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar highlighted the alarming rate of farmer suicides (767 in the first three months of the year) and criticized the government’s spending priorities. He also accused the government of failing to deliver on promises of loan waivers and fair pricing for crops. While the government acknowledged some discrepancies in soybean procurement, the opposition remained dissatisfied, leading to the walkouts. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar urged the opposition to avoid politicizing the issue and assured that the government was committed to addressing farmers’ concerns.
**News Article:**
**Maharashtra Assembly Disrupted by Farmer Distress as Opposition Stages Walkouts**
**Mumbai, July 2, 2025** – The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly was thrown into turmoil today as the opposition staged two separate walkouts over the escalating crisis facing the state’s farmers. The opposition protested the rising farmer suicide rate, unpaid dues for soybean crops, and what they described as the government’s insensitive handling of the agricultural sector.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar initiated an adjournment motion, citing the tragic deaths of over 700 farmers in the state between January and March of this year. He sharply criticized the BJP-led government’s priorities, questioning the allocation of ₹20,000 crore for a new expressway while farmers grapple with despair and financial hardship. “Every day, farmers are dying, and yet the government remains indifferent,” Wadettiwar stated, accusing the government of broken promises on loan waivers and fair crop pricing.
The opposition also condemned Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for allegedly referring to farmers as “beggars,” and Former Minister Babanrao Lonikar for making derogatory comments. Highlighting the desperation in rural communities, Wadettiwar cited an incident where a 65-year-old farmer was forced to yoke himself to a plough due to a lack of resources.
While Cooperation and Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal claimed a record amount of soybean had been procured and payments made directly to farmers, he acknowledged discrepancies regarding the procurement of 1,297 quintals of soybean, adding that payments were being withheld from Andura Shetkari Company pending investigation.
The opposition, dissatisfied with the government’s response, staged two walkouts, accusing the government of insensitivity and evading a meaningful discussion. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar responded to the disruptions, urging the opposition not to politicize the issue. He assured that the government considered addressing farmers’ problems a primary responsibility and was willing to discuss all related issues in a scheduled discussion tomorrow.
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