Congress Demands Removal of Maharashtra Minister for Disparaging Remarks on Farmers
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Synopsis
The Congress party is demanding the immediate expulsion of Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate after he made derogatory remarks about farmers. Leaders within the party criticize the minister's insensitive comments and call for urgent governmental support for farmers affected by harsh weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Congress accuses Kokate of insulting farmers.
- Demands for his removal from the Cabinet.
- Farmers in crisis due to unseasonal rains.
- Call for financial assistance for affected farmers.
- Kokate's comments deemed disrespectful.
Mumbai, April 5 (NationPress) The Congress party has accused Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate of consistently belittling farmers and has called for his immediate removal from the state Cabinet.
"Baliraja (farmer) is the provider for the world, yet the state's Agriculture Minister, Manikrao Kokate, seems so caught up in his authority that he continuously disrespects farmers. After referring to farmers as beggars, he has once again offended them by questioning whether they should allocate funds from the loan waiver for agriculture or for engagements and weddings. Such an individual, who degrades farmers, should be dismissed from the Cabinet," stated Harshwardhan Sapkal, the Congress unit chief in Maharashtra.
Additionally, Vijay Waddetiwar, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, noted that farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada have suffered due to unexpected rains, damaging crops like tur, grapes, onions, and various vegetables.
"At this critical moment, instead of assisting farmers, the Agriculture Minister is showing insensitivity and making mocking remarks. The government has abandoned the farmers, believing they are untouchable due to their majority. The MahaYuti government shows no concern for the struggles of common citizens and farmers," he remarked.
Waddetiwar urged that farmers affected by the erratic weather should receive swift financial aid through a 'Panchnama'.
Sapkal further pointed out that the MahaYuti coalition, which promised to waive farmers' loans upon assuming power, has yet to deliver on that pledge.
The government has claimed there are insufficient funds for loan waivers.
In this context, the Agriculture Minister's comments are perceived as disrespectful to farmers.
"When the government supports farmers or waives loans, it isn't a favor; it's the people's money, not just Kokate's family wealth. If governmental policies were truly beneficial for agriculture, why would farmers rely on such assistance? The BJP-led coalition government is anti-farmer. Kokate has previously demeaned farmers by claiming that even beggars do not take a single rupee; we provide insurance to farmers for just one rupee. This minister has developed a habit of continuously disrespecting farmers and should apologize to them," stated Sapkal.
He added: "I read in the newspaper that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advised ministers to be courteous in their speech, yet ministers disregard his guidance and speak thoughtlessly. Kokate is among them, and he must cease making insensitive and derogatory comments."
