Shiv Sena hits out BJP over farmer suicides in Maharashtra

The Shiv Sena on Monday lashed out at its ally BJP over the issue of farmer suicides in Maharashtra and questioned the claims of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of having sought financial help from the Centre to tackle the crisis.

"Sena MP Anil Desai had raised a question on farmer suicides in the Rajya Sabha, the answer to which was very frustrating. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been repeatedly claiming that he has asked for Centre's help for farmers affected by unseasonal rain and hailstorm. But, the answer of Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh has invalidated the CM's claims," the Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"Who is playing with the lives of farmers when the agriculture minister says that the Centre has received no request for help for farmers? Reacting to his statement, (state agriculture minister) Eknath Khadse said that what Singh said was untrue. Both ministers are trying to prove that the other is lying then who is actually speaking the truth ?" it questioned.

The Sena said the government announces immediate aid for farmers when a natural disaster occurs, but questioned if the aid actually reaches those for whom it is meant. "While the farmers are yet to recover from their troubles, the Centre and the state ministers are playing the 'truth and lie game'.

"Do not take the curse of farmers. Speak the truth... Though we support the BJP government, we will not bow down in front of them. We will raise the voice of people whenever required. To fulfil the promises we made to farmers, we will not hesitate to sit on the head of this government," the Sena said.