After N Chandrababu Naidu failed to keep his promise of waiving farmers’ loans “immediately” after assuming office as chief minister, opposition parties have slammed the TDP chief amid growing despair in the agricultural community.

Ever since his swearing-in ceremony, the initial euphoria among farmers has subsided.

Dashing the hopes of farmers, weavers and women from self-help groups, Naidu refrained from signing the order to waive farmers’ loans, contrary to what he promised during electioneering.

On the eve of his swearing-in, he announced that a committee would be set up to look into the waiver modalities and submit a report in 15 days. He had said that once the report was submitted, it would be implemented 45 days.

After Naidu’s announcement, the thunderous applause from thousands of farmers and DWRCA women, who braved the heat in anticipation of a waiver of their long-standing loans, was silenced.

“The Kharif season has started and the bankers are asking us to repay the loans taken last year. 

I was told that Naidu would announce the waiver and I can return to my village with good news,” Tadiboyina Narayana of Repalle in Guntur district rued after the swearing-in ceremony.

Narayana came from Repalle along with other hopeful farmers. “At least KCR in Telangana announced a waiver of farm loans up to Rs 1 lakh to help few farmers.