Kamal Nath Demands Apology From Vishvas Sarang Over Farm Loan Waiver Remarks
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday launched a sharp attack on state Cooperative Minister Vishvas Sarang, demanding a public apology over his remarks on the Congress-era farm loan waiver scheme.
The controversy erupted after Sarang allegedly blamed the loan waiver introduced by the previous Congress government for the deteriorating financial condition of cooperative banks in the state. Nath dismissed the claim as politically motivated and accused the BJP of spreading misinformation.
Nath Defends Congress Government’s Farm Loan Waiver
Responding strongly to Sarang’s statement, Kamal Nath said his government acted swiftly to provide relief to farmers immediately after assuming office. He emphasised that farmer welfare remained the top priority of the Congress administration.
According to Nath, the Congress government waived farm loans worth ₹11,646.96 crore in two phases. The scheme benefited 26.95 lakh farmers, nearly 27 lakh households, across Madhya Pradesh. He argued that the initiative provided much-needed relief to distressed farmers and boosted confidence in the rural economy.
‘Scheme Strengthened Rural Economy,’ Says Nath
Taking to social media platform X, Nath rejected the allegation that the loan waiver weakened cooperative banks. He stated that the scheme strengthened the rural economy by reducing the debt burden on farmers and increasing their purchasing power.
Nath further said that the loan waiver programme would have continued and included the remaining eligible farmers. However, he blamed the BJP for toppling the elected Congress government before the scheme could be fully implemented.
“If the BJP had not brought down the government, every eligible farmer’s loan would have been waived,” Nath asserted.
Demand for Apology From Vishvas Sarang
Kamal Nath described Sarang’s remarks as misleading and disrespectful to farmers who benefited from the scheme. He said blaming the loan waiver for the financial health of cooperative banks ignored broader economic and administrative factors.
Nath demanded that Vishvas Sarang issue a public apology for what he called an attempt to distort facts and discredit a farmer-friendly policy. He also accused the BJP of consistently targeting welfare schemes introduced by opposition governments for political gain.
The BJP has not yet issued a detailed response to Nath’s demand, but the remarks have added to the ongoing political tension between the two parties in Madhya Pradesh.
