Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a major relief measure for farmers in the state, stating that a farm loan waiver scheme will be declared before June 30. He said the government’s loan waiver process has reached its final stage and a cabinet sub-committee meeting regarding the issue has already been conducted. Additional technical details have been sought from a few districts, and once the information is received, the process will be completed before the formal announcement is made. Fadnavis shared the update while speaking to reporters after the closing ceremony of the ‘Pune Agro Hackathon 2026’ held in Pune. He also dismissed concerns regarding a power shortage in Maharashtra, claiming the state currently has surplus electricity supply. According to him, temporary disruptions in some areas are due to technical faults and not because of any energy crisis in the state.
Speaking about the anti-drug campaign, Fadnavis said the menace of narcotics has become a serious national concern and noted that a countrywide drive is being carried out under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He stated that Maharashtra is among the leading states taking strict action against drug-related crimes. The Chief Minister also rejected comparisons between Maharashtra and the film-inspired term ‘Udta Punjab’, saying such remarks unfairly damage the image of the state. Responding to questions regarding a recent meeting with Parth Pawar, Fadnavis clarified that the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar is an alliance partner in the Mahayuti government, and therefore the meeting should not be viewed as a major political development. He said discussions during the meeting revolved around administrative and political matters.
Addressing the issue of falling onion prices, the Chief Minister said reduced exports to Bangladesh and Gulf countries due to changing international conditions have affected market demand. He explained that onion production has increased while demand has weakened, resulting in declining rates for farmers. To provide relief, the Central Government has started procuring onions at Rs 12.50 per kilogram, a move he believes will offer support to growers facing losses. On the issue of Maratha reservation and renewed protest warnings by activist Manoj Jarange, Fadnavis said the state government remains committed to the welfare of the Maratha community. He highlighted several schemes related to education, scholarships, hostel facilities, subsistence allowances, and entrepreneurship development. The Chief Minister added that thousands of young entrepreneurs have benefited through the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation and stressed that no welfare scheme has been discontinued. He further said the caste validity certificate process is continuing according to Supreme Court guidelines and assured that the government is handling Maratha community issues with sensitivity.