BJP wants a ''dream budget'' for farmers

Mumbai, Jan 6 (UNI) Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh today said in view of suicides by debt-ridden farmers, the Centre should announce a ''dream budget'' by the farmers community this year.

Talking to reporters here today, Mr Singh said farmers should be provided loans at the rate of four per cent interest. A recommendation to this effect has already been made by the National Commission for Agriculture which was appointed by the NDA government, he added. Mr Singh said there should be no compulsory recovery of loans for two years.

Meanwhile, he accused the UPA Government at the Centre of having failed on all fronts. ''The country's economy is running in reverse gear,'' he remarked. The incumbent government has been unable to control the price rise and inflation, he said while claiming that the NDA Government had been able to check the same.

Mr Singh also expressed concern over the ingress of multi national companies, in partnership with Indian companies, into the retail market. ''This will threaten the very survival of small-time shopkeepers and traders,'' he said while demanding adequate protection for domestic retailers under these circumstances.

Mr Singh said India should initiate talks with China which has ''set up monitoring posts in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to observe the activities of the Indian Navy.'' China has also constructed a strategic port at Gwadar in Pakistan, he added.

He stressed that his party was for friendly relations with all the neighbouring countries.

Replying to a query, Mr Singh said the BJP wanted President's rule be imposed in Uttar Pradesh to ensure free and fair elections in the state.

Mr Singh is in the city to address a public meeting to muster support for the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in the February 1 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. He said the 22-year-old alliance between the BJP and the Sena will continue in the future too.

Asked to comment on Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's call to Marathis to speak only in their own language, Mr Singh remarked that regional languages need to be accorded due respect.

On the subject of Ram temple, he said the issue was not a political one, but it was a ''national and cultural issue.'' The BJP is of the view that the Ram temple issue should be resolved through talks or by the judiciary, the BJP chief said.

UNI