Sharad Joshi withdraws hunger-strike

Mumbai, Nov 19 (UNI) The founder of the Shetkari Sanghatna, Sharad Joshi today withdrew his hunger-strike after Maharashtra Co-operation minister Dr Patangrao Kadam assured him that sugarcane growers will get Rs 900 as the first installment of the minimum support price announced.

Dr Kadam today visited the Ruby Hospital in Pune, where Mr Joshi was admitted after his detention in Sangli last week.

He assured the Shetkari Sanghatna leader that besides, granting sugarcane growers Rs 900 as the first installment of the minimum support price announced, the quantum of the second installment will be decided by the concerned sugar co-operative units. The sugar commissioner or co-operative commissioner will have no say in their decision, he said.

The minister also assured Mr Joshi that all police cases filed against his party activists would be withdrawn, except the non-cognizable ones.

Dr Kadam also announced that now sugarcane growers will be given permission to prepare jaggary as well.

Senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde was present on the occasion.

UNI MR WD SHB MIR KP1835