Sharad Pawar throws weight behind farmers' agitation

Mumbai: NCP chief Sharad Pawar has declared his and his party’s support to the ongoing farmers’ agitation in the country. While the farmers could go to the extreme level when agitating, he advised against throwing or destroying produce such as milk in the course of the protest.

Mr Pawar also alleged that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the centre was not keeping its word where farmers were concerned.

“This government does not intend to fulfill its assurances. It talks of 50 per cent of MSP rates to farmers during the kharif season but it hasn’t happened. Farmers are not getting the amount they have invested in crops. For them, agriculture has become a business of loss. In such a condition, farmers should take the extreme step and agitate against this government,” said the veteran politician in Mumbai. He declared support to the ongoing farmers’ agitation in almost 10 states.

However, he was quick to add, “I also request farmers not to throw their products. Be it milk or vegetables, I would suggest farmers distribute it to poor colonies.” He also appealed to city dwellers to support the ongoing farmers’ agitation.

For the last five days, different farmers’ bodies have joined hands and given a call for strike. While there have been no serious repercussions in Maharashtra, in states like Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, the agitation has had a greater impact on public life.