BJP, SP spar over farmer woes in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Apr 1: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh have begun sparring, accusing each other of being indifferent to the plight of farmers.

Both parties accused each other on the issue, especially after the recent rainfall and hail storm, which destroyed a sizeable part of the standing crop. [Farmers feel the heat as rain damages crops]

While the BJP has accused the Akhilesh Yadav-led state government of not only paying lip service to the farmers' cause but has alleged that the SP is a part of the problem that millions of farmers across the state are facing.

"There has been no tangible movement in coming to the rescue of farmers except tall promises and claims," said leader of opposition in the Legislative Council Hriday Narayan Dixit.

The senior BJP leader told IANS on Wednesday that while funds are available for farmers through Kisan Credit Cards or insurance modes of crop, but due to the state government, the farmers are not able to get compensation for their damaged crops.

"UP's nodal officials are working at a very slow pace, leading to more and more farmers committing suicide in the aftermath of rains," he alleged. [Akhilesh Yadav Govt doesn't care about farmers' welfare: BJP]

He cited the example of Unnao, neighbouring Lucknow and alleged that while the insurance amount is available with a private insurance giant, they are disbursing the amount to the be-seized farmers.

The ruling SP, while admitting of "some problems", however, said the state government was doing its best to bring the farmers out of the crisis.

"The government has already disbursed Rs.100 crore for the crisis faced by farmers and has sought Rs.744 crore from the centre," said cabinet minister and SP spokesman Rajendra Chowdhary.

He accused the BJP of playing politics over farmer woes and said the seriousness of the party towards the cause and welfare of farmers reflected in the budget passed in March, where 75 percent of the funds have been earmarked for the agriculture sector.

Rainfall in March have lead to widespread devastation of crops, specially wheat and pulses in the state.

More than 16 farmers died and many committed suicide, unable to bear the loss of crop.

IANS