Heated debate on crop loan waiver

The Legislative Assembly witnessed headed arguments between the Treasury and opposition benches on whether the state government or the Centre should  take the onus of waiving crop loan availed by farmers.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said 80% of farmers had availed loans from commercial banks which come under the jurisdiction of the Centre. “Let the Centre waive  50% of the farm loans provided by commercial banks and we will waive 50%  agricultural loans taken from cooperative societies to bail out farmers”, he said. Opposition Leader Jagadish Shettar objected to the remark and said the government should focus on its responsibilities rather than blaming the Centre. 

A heated argument ensued and the BJP members staged a walkout raising slogans.