Mumbai: Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) leader and MP, Raju Shetti, on Monday met CM Devendra Fadnavis to withdraw support to the BJP-led state government. SSS had recently declared that it would split from the BJP-led alliance. The party had joined hands with BJP to dethrone the then Congress-NCP government.
“Looking at BJP’s apathy towards farmers and agricultural issues however, there is no reason to stand with them,” said Shetti after meeting the CM. Shetti, along with SSS leader and chairman of textile corporation Ravikant Tupkar met Fadnavis. Shetti submitted a letter officially withdrawing support to the BJP government. The state executive committee of SSS had passed a resolution of withdrawal of support last week in Pune. Shetti’s letter demanded that party workers be relieved from various government posts. It enclosed a copy of the SSS resolution.
Sadabhau Khot, who was expelled from SSS, is an agriculture minister of state in the Fadnavis government. Khot’s proximity to BJP was the main reason for SSS to ultimately leave the alliance. Tupkar too submitted his resignation to Fadnavis even as the latter said a decision on the resignation would be taken at the right time.
The CM told Shetti during the meeting, “The state government has always discussed farmers’ issues with Shetti and his organisation. We will do it in future as well. We are still ready to talk to you on all concerned issues.”
After the meeting, Shetti said, “The BJP government has failed to address farmers’ issues. Agriculture seems to be their last priority. We were used to protesting the earlier government and for farmers, we will do the same in future.”
Shetti also confirmed that there was no proposal before the party to have an alliance with any other party as of now. “We will focus on farmers’ issues including loan waiver, MSP and implementation of the Swaminarayan commission. We are already protesting all over the state. It will be further intensified,” he said.
