MLA Kirit Patel writes to Gujarat CM for farmer loan waiver, says ‘ready to give up 2 months salary if approved’

Large amounts of crop damage have been reported across Gujarat due to unseasonal rains during the peak harvest season, causing huge losses to farmers. In this regard, Patan MLA Kirit Patel has written a letter to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel requesting the government to waive off farmers’ loans. He has also said that if the state grants a loan waiver, MLAs are willing to forgo their salaries for two months.

In his letter, Kirit Patel wrote, “Due to excessive rainfall and heavy showers this season, farmers in Gujarat are facing extremely dire conditions.”

He also pointed out that “Earlier as well, we had requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister and yourself to immediately conduct a damage survey and announce a special package for the farmers of Gujarat.”

Patel described the farmers’ plight saying, “Due to the huge losses, farmers in Gujarat are devastated. They are not even in a position to repay bank loans. In such a terrible situation for the ‘Annadata’ (food providers) of the nation, as elected representatives, we must show sensitivity towards the farmers.”

He recalled, “Earlier, the Congress government had waived farmers’ loans. Today Gujarat is considered the No.1 state, and several concessions are being provided by the government to large industrialists. Therefore, keeping in mind the miserable condition of our ‘Annadatas’, farmers of Gujarat should be given loan waivers.”

He concluded by stating, “If the loans are waived, then we, as MLAs, are ready to donate two months of our salaries towards this loan waiver initiative.”