India, Oct. 20 -- In response to farmers' unhappiness with the flood relief package, the opposition parties have started pressuring the state government for a farm loan waiver. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar declared a one-day symbolic hunger strike on Monday at the main entrance of the Jagadguru Saint Shri Tukaram Maharaj Temple at Dehu in Pune.

Rohit said that he made this decision to remind the government of its poll promise as the farmers are reeling with an acute financial crisis this Diwali after losing everything in the devastating floods.

"Due to excessive rainfall, the farmers are completely devastated. While ministers and MLAs in the government are celebrating a glittering Diwali, the farmers cannot even afford to light a lamp at th...