NCP to give charter to secretary

Mumbai: In view of the farmers’ strike in the state, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has decided to dedicate its 18th foundation day to farmers. Plans are afoot for NCP leader and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule to meet cabinet secretary Sumit Malik along with a delegation of party leaders and submit a “charter of farmers” on Saturday, June 10. NCP has also declared that it will hit the streets, demanding complete loan waiver.

NCP state president Sunil Tatkare on Friday informed about NCP’s proactive participation in farmers’ issues. “Ms Sule will hand over the charter to the cabinet secretary on Saturday. The party will ensure that each and every demand from the charter gets accepted. We will hold a protest if required,” said Mr Tatkare.

The farmers’ agitation has reached its next level with a core committee of cultivators deciding to give a fresh ultimatum to the government. Cashing in on the opportunity, NCP, which has been politically downbeat since the 2014 elections, is now trying to reengage with farmers’ issues. Farmers have been the core of the party’s voter base since its inception.

NCP workers on Saturday will meet the district collector and tehsildar to submit a memorandum on loan waiver. The NCP  declared that it will adopt children of five farmers in every district who committed suicide.

Demand of farmers

• Clear all debt of farmers since 7/12. Declare complete loan waiver.
• Implement the suggestions of the Swaminathan commission in the state.
• Provide electricity to farmers at cheaper rates.
• Provide seeds and fertilisers to farmers for their farms.
• Give up to Rs 3 lakh interest-free loan to small landholders.
• Prepare a new scheme for families of farmers who have committed suicides.
• Start a pension for farmers aged over 60.