The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Opposition stages dharna on farmers' woes

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Saturday, Dec 11, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Opposition stages dharna on farmers' woes

Special Correspondent

MLAs, MLCs walk towards the Assembly holding damaged crop; say the scale of loss is unprecedented

Opposition parties criticise government for its indifferent attitude towards farmers
Seek withdrawal of cases against students who took part in the stir for and against Telangana

— PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

UNITED STAND:Legislators of TDP, CPI and CPI (M) led by TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu staging a protest to highlight the crop damage due to excess rain in Hyderabad on Friday.

HYDERABAD: Holding the crop that was damaged during the recent rain and shouting slogans, Opposition MLAs and MLCs staged a ‘dharna' at Gun Park and then walked towards the Assembly to highlight the plight of farmers on the first day of the winter session on Friday.

Demonstration was led by Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu, floor leaders of CPI, CPI(M) and Lok Satta -- G. Mallesh, J. Ranga Reddy and N. Jayaprakash Narayan respectively.

Mr. Naidu said the scale of damage was unprecedented as it covered all crops in all districts. If the farmers were hit by Jal cyclone and unseasonal rain on one side, un-remunerative price had worried them no end. Unless the Centre and the State governments come together to their rescue, farmers would be in dire straits.

Already two farmers, who suffered heavy losses in the rains, committed suicide. Yet there was no response from the government .

Mr. Mallesh said it was time the government should shed its silent spectator's role and activate its machinery to rescue farmers. Mr. Jayaprakash wanted the government to focus on saving farmers, removal of all restrictions on movement of paddy and compensation of Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000 per acre.

Mr. Ranga Reddy appealed to the government to take immediate steps and ensure that farmers do not resort to extreme steps.

After the adjournment of the House, the MLAs and MLCs again staged a dharna at the entrance of the Assembly.

The floor leaders felt if the government made an announcement on withdrawal of the cases filed against students, the House would have discussed farmers' problems. They had also demanded withdrawal of cases against students who participated in the recent agitations for and against Telangana.

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