Congress questions ceasefire timing, to take out rally
Nagpur: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president
Harshwardhan Sapkal
on Wednesday accused the BJP-led coalition govt of being apathetic towards farmers reeling under severe losses due to unseasonal May rains and demanded immediate relief measures.
"The govt is sleeping while farmers are facing an unprecedented crisis. Conduct a panchnama of losses and provide compensation without delay," he told the media.
Sapkal criticised the cancellation of the ₹1
crop insurance scheme
, calling the replacement policy ineffective and against farmers. "The earlier scheme at least offered some compensation. Now, even after allegations of a scam, there's no accountability or corrective action," he said, demanding that the original ₹1 scheme be reinstated.
With the
kharif season
nearing, Sapkal alleged that the state agriculture department was unprepared. "Bogus seeds are flooding the market, and linking of fertilisers with seed purchases continues unchecked. The govt merely announces action but does nothing on the ground," he said.
He condemned the diversion of funds from the social justice and tribal development departments to welfare schemes like Ladki Bahin. "It is unconstitutional and unjust to divert resources meant for Dalits, tribals, and OBCs.
If the state is facing a financial crunch, the BJP should seek a special package from the Centre," said Sapkal, urging CM Devendra Fadnavis, and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar to take immediate steps.
Commenting on the ceasefire following Operation Sindoor, Sapkal questioned the Modi govt's silence. "Why was a ceasefire declared just when our soldiers were gaining an upper hand? Did the US mediate? Has the Shimla Agreement been scrapped? The PM must answer.
He didn't even attend the all-party meeting. A special session of Parliament must be convened," he demanded.
To commemorate the martyrdom of Rajiv Gandhi and honour bravery of Indian soldiers, Sapkal announced that the Congress will organise a Tiranga Yatra in every district of Maharashtra on May 21. "From Mahatma Gandhi to the martyrs of Pahalgam, we owe our respect to those who sacrificed for the country," he said.
Commenting on his meeting with NCP founder Sharad Pawar, Sapkal clarified that it was a goodwill visit. "This was my first meeting with Pawar Saheb since taking over. His five decades of experience is invaluable," he said.
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