Chandra Babu Naidu made many promises before being elected as the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh post bifurcation. One promise that struck a chord with people and was instrumental in his becoming the CM was the promise of loan waiver.
Nearly two months have passed since Babu sat in the ‘hot’ seat. But the issue is yet to be resolved. Babu’s latest claim is that he is a son of the soil and that he understands the problems of farmers totally. He says that’s the reason why he ‘promised’ and ‘facilitated’ waiver of loans.
Now, one has to understand that Chandra Babu is already using the word facilitated, while the issue remains unresolved. This is very similar to the hero’s role in the recently released Drushyam movie.
In the film, Venkatesh tells everyone that he was there on a certain date in Vijayanagaram. Hence, when people are questioned about Venkatesh’s past, they simply repeat what was told to them by Venkatesh. So, when one looks at it, it is a ‘fact’ ‘planted’ by Venkatesh in their minds. Similarly, Babu is now talking as if the waiver of loans has already happened. And this very thought is being planted in the minds of people by some popular newspapers known for their yellow journalism.
Also, another important to be noted here is that the Babu government is now trying to reschedule farm loans and not waiver them. This means that the farmers will be put under additional pressure to repay loans without being eligible for new loans. This is stark reality.
Yet, a man like Chandra Babu Naidu who is the CM of a state is claiming that he resolved issue of loan waivers. He is conveniently avoiding the use of term rescheduling, though that is exactly what the banks and government have in mind for farmers. If what Babu says is indeed true, then the banks must start returning the mortgage papers and pass books to farmers.
Or Babu can organize a huge public meeting and make sure that the pass books are returned. But the reality is totally different. In fact, the RBI is yet to give its green signal to loan rescheduling. So where does the question of loan waiver and returning passbooks arise?
Then why is Babu & Co trying to ingrain into the minds of people that they have successfully tackled the issue of loan waiver? The kharif season has already started. Neither waiver nor rescheduling is happening.
Already, the farmers have realized that Babu is unable to keep his poll promise. New crop season means needing fresh loans.
If the issue remains unresolved, it won’t be long before the farmers take to the streets to protest against the Babu governance and ‘demand’ a solution to their problems.
