Overview

• At a public programme, Co-operation Minister Babasaheb Patil said people are "obsessed with loan waiver" and admitted politicians make assurances during elections to win votes, with portions of his speech aired on regional channels.
• BJP leader and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged colleagues to avoid casual remarks on waivers and reaffirmed that relief for eligible farmers remains on the alliance agenda, with a statewide survey underway.
• All India Kisan Sabha’s Ajit Nawale called the comments infuriating, saying such statements hurt farmers as the state adds conditions to access relief benefits.
• Officials have assessed crop destruction across roughly 68.69 lakh hectares after heavy September rains and floods in Marathwada and adjoining regions.
• After criticism from allies and opposition, Patil apologized, describing himself as a farmer and expressing regret if his words hurt sentiments.