Nagpur.
“The padayatras being undertaken by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi are not aimed at targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi or any other person. The padayatras are aimed at waking up the anti-farmer BJP Government and to provide relief to distressed farmers. The Modi Government is not taking any firm decision in the interests of farmers,” asserted MPCC President Ashok Chavan while talking to media in Nagpur.
Ashok Chavan arrived in city on Wednesday as Rahul Gandhi is undertaking padayatras in Vidarbha tomorrow (Thursday) for apprising himself about the problems being faced by farmers. Chavan is also participating in the padayatras. The MPCC President talked to media at the residence of Congress leader Anantrao Gharad. “The Vidarbha farmers have been ravaged by hailstorms, unseasonal rains and damage to crops. Farmer suicides are being reported from Marathwada and Vidarbha again. But the Central and State Government are not providing any relief except assurances. The State Government announced special package during the Winter Session but in reality not a single rupee has been given to farmers. Hence anger against Central and State Government is brewing among farmers. Congress has taken to agitations to make voice of people powerful. We are with people. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi is coming to Vidarbha. He talked to farmers of Punjab yesterday and tomorrow he will be discussing with Vidarbha farmers. The Congress Vice President is consoling the widows. There is no politics involved in it,” declared Chavan.
Chavan further said that there is no question of targeting Prime Minister Modi or any other leader through padayatras. The Land Acquisition Bill is anti-farmers and Congress is opposing it strongly. Rahul Gandhi had earlier also visited Vidarbha and talked to farmers. Hence the BJP charge that Congress is wooing farmers after losing power is baseless, clarified Chavan.
Others who were present on the occasion include Joint In Charge of Maharashtra Bala Bachchan, Leader of Opposition in State Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, City Congress President Vikas Thakre, former Ministers Nitin Raut, Anees Ahmed and others.
