MUMBAI: The Opposition Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Sunday made it clear that the crop loan waiver would be their prime demand during the budget session of Maharashtra legislature starting March 6.
Leaders from the two parties also called on Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao in the evening to push the demand.
The Shiv Sena too said that it was firm on its demand of complete crop loan waiver, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government's stand that the farmers need to be financially empowered before going in for the crop loan waiver to make the step more effective.
"We firmly believe that empowering farmers would help them to come out of the vicious cycle of crop loans in the long run. This is the sustainable and long-term solution. We have taken several measures in that direction. We would like the Opposition to join hands with us to solve the problems plaguing the state," Fadnavis said, while addressing the media after the customary tea party on the eve of assembly session.
Opposition leaders also made it clear that it would not be possible for them to bring the no-trust motion due to lack of numbers.
"Looking at the dip in CM's credibility, we appeal to them to face the trust motion once again," leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said, while addressing the media on Sunday.
Shiv Sena ministers addressed a separate press conference after CM Fadnavis addressed the media. Senior Sena leader and environment minister Ramdas Kadam demanded that the government should bring in an amendment to open up state cabinet meetings for journalists and Lokayukta to bring in transparency in the state government's decision-making.
He, however, made it clear while replying to a query that all the Shiv Sena ministers had kept their resignation letters away. It may be recalled that Kadam had said a few days back that he and a few other ministers were carrying their resignation letters.