The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Naidu flays Pawar for ‘anti-farmer’ stand

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Friday, Feb 29, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Naidu flays Pawar for ‘anti-farmer’ stand

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu criticised Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar for his “anti- farmer” stand in ruling out a hike in minimum support price of paddy to Rs.1, 000 a quintal despite the recommendation of Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP).

Addressing a press conference here, he said the CACP had given its recommendation after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked it to look into the matter. But the Union Minister was adamant and seemed oblivious to the ongoing agitation by farmers and the way MSP issue had dominated proceedings of the Parliament and outside.

He said the Opposition parties would not spare the UPA government till the MSP was raised and other issues affecting the farmers were addressed. After the presentation of the Union Budget, the UNPA will decide on next course of action.

Mr. Naidu was also critical of the way the Chief Minister’s Office was “misused” to leak out a report against the ruling party’s own MP, Madhu Yashki Goud. “It is being used not for public purpose but for taking revenge on political adversaries”, he said, adding that he was not defending Mr. Goud as law would take its own course.

In the Railway Budget too, the State was sanctioned just Rs. 300 crore worth new projects while the Railways garnered a revenue of Rs.6000 crore from A.P. He said the party would conduct an exhibition highlighting corruption in irrigation projects, in the Assembly premises on Monday.

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