Why can't Maharashtra politicos learn from Mayawati, asks MP

Lok Sabha member from Kolhapur, Raju Shetty, on an indefinite fast at Baramati to press the demand for the first instalment of Rs2,350 per tonne for sugarcane for the 2011-12 crushing season, today lauded Uttar Pradesh government's decision to hike cane price by Rs40 per quintal.

"This means farmers in UP would be getting Rs2500 per tonne, a far cry from the pittance their Maharashtra counterparts get. Those ruling Maharashtra should learn from Chief Minister Mayawati," Shetty said.

"Mayawati is often criticised for not understanding farmers' plight as she is not born into a farmer's family. Yet, she gives farmers remunerative price. But in Maharashtra we have leaders born into a farmer's family who reduce the price," Shetty said, without naming Union agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who hails from Baramati, venue of his fast.

"Mayawati understands the pain of sugarcane growers. Maharashtra politicians should introspect. How much more are you going to loot the farmers," he told reporters.

Shetty's statement came after the UP government, apparently with an eye on the forthcoming Assembly elections, raised the State Advisory Price (SAP) of cane by Rs40 per quintal.

Shetty, leader of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, organised a rally of sugarcane growers from Pandharpur to Baramati to spread awareness about state government and sugar factories' reluctance to pay higher price.