Swabhimani Shetakari Sanghatana expels Khot

Pune: Sadabhau Khot, the minister of state for agriculture, horticulture and marketing, was expelled from Swabhimani Shetakari Sanghatana, on Monday by its inquiry committee. Stating that Khot is allegedly no longer committed to the cause of the state’s farmers and that of the party, the committee announced its decision at a press conference in Pune.

As per the committee, Khot has not insisted on complete loan waiver for farmers or implementing the recommendations of the M.S. Swaminathan Committee.

Party chief Raju Shetti has accepted the decision taken by the committee. However, the decision on whether to continue the support to the government or not will be taken in the next two weeks. Khot’s intention to go with BJP while Shetti is trying to revoke his support to the government has created differences between the two leaders.

To understand Khot’s stand on the farmers’ issues, the party constituted a four-member inquiry committee on June 21, who gave Khot a questionnaire to answer.  They later took the decision to expel him. Meanwhile, Khot has announced that he would state another farmers’ organisation.

Dashrath Sawant, chief of the committee and ex party chief, said, “Khot’s pro power and anti party stand is clear in the answers to the questions we asked him.”

Dr Prakash Popale, a committee member, said, “During the farmers’ agitation at Puntamba, Khot was seen creating differences between the group of farmers. Our party is committed to the complete loan waiver and all issues important for farmers and Khot’s stand was against what our party works for.”

The committee also discussed the recent issue where a woman from Kolhapur had filed a complaint against Khot, alleging misbehaviour. Mr Sawant said, “This is immoral as far as party is concerned and we don’t support such behaviour.”