BJP demands dumping of infected red wheat stock

Mumbai, Jun 18 (UNI) A BJP delegation today demanded that the entire stock of 40,000 ton imported red wheat, that is infested with insects and lying in government godowns, should be dumped and the May 9 order to sell the wheat be scrapped.

The delegation, led by Leader of the Opposition Pandurang Phundkar and Dr Kirit Somaiya, today met Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and showed him samples of the rotten wheat lying in various godowns.

On inspecting the samples, Mr Deshmukh was ''shocked'' and assured that he would look into the matter, a BJP release said here.

He also reportedly gave an assurance that he would see to it that the horrible red wheat is not misused and does not get into wrong hands.

The samples were collected by Dr Somaiya from 10 different districts including Akola, Buldhana, Pune, Raigad, Sindhudurg and Thane.

BJP also produced documentary evidence about the quality of wheat and the manner in which disposal is carried on. At many places, godown keeper and District Supply Officer are not undertaking fresh laboratory test and report.

During their visits to the godowns, various district officials informed the BJP leader that the state government is in a hurry to dispose of the wheat.

A Government Resolution dated May 9 categorically stated that the wheat should be disposed of in three weeks through open auction, the release added.

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