Centre 'anti-farmer', not giving due support to UP govt: SP

Lucknow, Apr 14: Terming the Centre as "anti- farmer", Samajwadi Party on Tuesday alleged that it was not giving due support to the Uttar Pradesh government for providing relief to farmers.

"The central team after visiting the state and assessing the situation of damaged crops of farmers has concluded that losses are to the tune of Rs 1,100 crores and recommended relief of Rs 744.28 crore to the state. But the Centre has not given even a single rupee," party leader Shivpal Yadav told reporters.

Yadav, who is also the PWD minister, claimed that last year the state government had demanded Rs 4,794.89 crore for drought relief but the Centre had only given Rs 490 crores and this shows the "apathetic" attitude of the Centre towards Uttar Pradesh.

Highlighting works of the state government, Yadav said that it has released Rs 1,087 crore for farmers relief, of which Rs 320 crores have also been distributed.

Asked about reports of corruption in the process of distributing relief to farmers, Yadav said that strict action would be initiated against those found guilty.

Praising Dr B R Ambedkar and his contribution to the country, Yadav, without naming the BSP, said that "some parties had insulted him by restricting him in a particular circle and for political gains."

PTI