Telangana Delhi protest is shameful for Centre: Rakesh Tikait

Hyderabad: Stating that Telangana Government’s protest in the national capital demanding paddy procurement and uniform procurement policy a humiliation to Central Government, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was staging a protest not for political interests but for the welfare of farming community. This was just beginning. […]

Hyderabad: Stating that Telangana Government’s protest in the national capital demanding paddy procurement and uniform procurement policy a humiliation to Central Government, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was staging a protest not for political interests but for the welfare of farming community.

This was just beginning. Taking a cue from Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, other State Chief Minister’s would also stage demonstrations soon, he said while addressing at the TRS party’s protest at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday.

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Crop procurement was responsibility of the Central Government and it cannot come up with any excuses. The Centre cannot adopt one procurement plan for North and others for different States, he said, adding “Like Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, we demand a uniform procurement policy. If there is no uniform policy farmers have to hit the streets every harvesting season, demanding good price for their produce.”

Similarly, there should be a Minimum Support Price Guarantee Act to protect farmers interests, the BKU national Spokesperson said.

After the 13 months agitation by the farmers, Centre had assured to constitute a committee to address these issues but there was no development on the issue till date, he said.

“I have also written a letter seeking guidelines and other details of the proposed committee but there is no reply so far,” Rakesh Tikait said.

Telangana Government’s approach and policies towards agricultural sector were good and need to be replicated across the nation, he said.

He cited the Telangana Government’s 24 hours free power supply to the farming community. “Central Government extends assistance of Rs.6, 000 to farmers in three installments annually and claims it to be a big welfare measure. On the other hand, Telangana Government extends Rs.10,000 per acre as investment support to the farmers under Rythu Bandhu,” pointed out Rakesh Tikait.

Farmers have been fighting for their rights since years and they were struggling even today, he said, adding “Should they have to keep fighting all their lives for their welfare. What’s happening in the country,” .

The Central Government was least bothered about farmers welfare. All it was focused on instigating communal differences and hatred and seek votes, he lashed out at the BJP government.

One should bear in mind that Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was staging a protest not for political mileage but to ensure farmers welfare, he stressed and said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also fighting on behalf of the farmers.

“I appreciate Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao for fighting for farmers welfare and staging a protestin New Delhi. We will extend all support to the protest and would also support to all those, who strive for farmers development and welfare,” said Rakesh Tikait raising Jai Hind and Jai Telangana slogans.