BJP seeks probe into 2008 farmers' loan waiver scheme

, Feb 4:

on Monday demanded a CBI

into the alleged scam in the Centre's 2008 loan waiver

for farmers, citing irregularities found by CAG.

"According to the Comptroller and Auditor General's report, gross irregularities took place in the Centre's loan waiver scheme under which, loans worth Rs. 60,000 crore were waived," BJP president Rajnath Singh said, addressing a Kisan Mahapanchayat organised by the Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Department in Bhopal.

"Under the scheme, agricultural loans of over 3.5 crore farmers were waived. But according to the CAG, which has audited nearly 90,000 accounts, many farmers did not receive the benefits. It points to gross irregularities," Rajnath said, demanding the probe.

His party had also demanded that the CAG report be tabled in the Parliament, he said.

The Agriculture Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme was announced by the government in 2008.

Hitting out at the Centre's decision to introduce FDI in retail trade, Rajnath said, it was against the national interests, especially of the farmers, and the Prime Minister must roll back the decision.

"If they do not, then the BJP, after coming to power at the Centre, will reverse it."

PTI