Union budget sop to farmers not 'electoral politics': Cong

Sonbhadra, Mar 2 (UNI) Denouncing opposition parties comment of calling union budget 2008-09 a mere ''electoral gimmick'' rather thatn sop to farmers, Akhil Bharatiya Congress Committee general secretary and UP in charge Digvijay Singh today said it was an outcome of mutual negotiation with Prime Minister and farmer representatives.

While addressing the ''Hisab Kitab Mango'' rally, Mr Singh here said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi had a word with farmer representatives and decision of waiving of loans was taken only after considering the detailed reports on farmers condition.

''Farmers self-immolation states their dismal condition, such incidents whether in Maharashtra, UP or any other state are sad, '' Mr Singh said.

He held the state governments responsible for the pitiable condition of farmers and charged UP Chief Minister Mayawati with ploting against Central government to hide her own flaws and failures. However, the Centre is continuously providing help to the state.

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