Expressing serious concern over neglect of farmers’ issues in the elections, civil aviation minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh said: “Now elections are not fought, they are bought”.
Ajit Singh released a book “Desam Kosam Rytu. Rytu Kosam Yevaru? (Farmer is there for the country, but who is there for the farmer?). The book is a compilation of essays on agriculture related issues penned by former agriculture minister Vadde Sobhanadreeswar Rao for various vernacular dailies over a period of 15 years.
Speaking on the occasion, he expressed concern that the farmers’ issues were not getting the attention they deserved.
Ajit Singh said no political party is talking about farmers issues or crop insurance.
“Crop holiday declared by farmers in Andhra Pradesh or the Supreme Court’s directive on foodgrain stocks in godowns was never a poll issue,” Ajit Singh lamented.
On allowing FDI in retail sector, the Union minister said he was not against the FDI. But, government should be a party to it. A tripartie agreement including government, farmers and retailers was needed, he said and added this was to protect the interests of the farmers.
Union minister of state for HRD D Purandeswari blasted the YSR government for faulty methods adopted in Jalayagnam. “Too many irrigation projects were taken up at one go but they not completed,” she said. She appreciated the commitment of Sobhanadreeswara Rao towards farmers.