Ruling BJP MLA stages walks out in MP Assly

Bhopal, Mar 3 (UNI) Ruling BJP legislator Jalam Singh Patel today staged a walkout from the Madhya Pradesh Assembly alleging that the government was not resolving the problems of sugarcane farmers.

Raising the matter through a call attention notice, Mr Patel said sugarcane farmers were not getting appropriate price for their crop forcing some peasants to commit suicide.

Rejecting allegations that sugarcane farmers were being neglected, Agriculture Minister Gopal Bhargava said the government was concerned over sugarcane growers, who were getting appropriate price. However, he admitted, sugarcane growers were facing problems due to shortage of sugar mills as compared to sugarcane crop.

''The government was making efforts to get new sugar mills established. All possible assistance would be provided to anyone in private or cooperative sector interested in opening up sugar mills.

Besides, efforts were being made to increase the capacity of existing mills,'' he said.

Mr Patel staged a walkout alleging that false information was being provided.

In his written statement, Mr Bhargava said sugar was grown in 50,800 hectare area in 2005-06 and 63,200 hectare area in 2006-07.

According to initial information, sugar had grown in 92,800 hectare area in 2007-08.

He said this proved that sugarcane farmers were enthusiastic.

Mr Patel has been suspended from the BJP due to anti-party activities. However, he technically remains a BJP member.

UNI PKJ-PS SW KN1531