BJP slams UP govt for plans to sell co-op sector sugar mills

Lucknow, June 30 (UNI) The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today slammed the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh for its plans to sell 28 sugar mills under the co-operative sector.

Talking to reporters here, BJP legislature party leader Om Prakash Singh said the decision was against the interests of sugarcane farmers.

''The decision will give complete monopoly of the sugar sector to the private sector...Even after the end of crushing season, mills of the co-operative sector used to buy sugarcane from farmers to help them dispose off their produce. But the same cannot be expected from the private sector mills,'' he added.

Mr Singh claimed that after the private sector gained monopoly, it would also be able to dictate terms when the government formed a fresh sugar policy. ''During the previous regime also, the private sector sugar mills had a major say in the sugar policy,'' he alleged.

''Seven out of the 28 sugar mills are in a bad shape, hence the government can sell them. But the remaning mills need an overhauling of capacity along with certain administrative reforms...there is no need to sell them,'' he added.

UNI