Front Page   

Opposition for rollback of fertilizer prices

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI March. 3. The Government is under intense pressure from its allies and the Opposition alike to roll back the prices of diesel and fertilizer. While the entire Opposition today walked out of the Lok Sabha, the Government's allies such as the TDP, the DMK and the Samata Party lent their support to the demand.

The main thrust of the argument of those in favour of a rollback was that the Government decision would subject farmers to greater problems. "They are already reeling under the onslaught of drought and floods. This is a burden they cannot bear," said Jagmeet Singh Barar (Cong.).

The issue was raised by Ramji Lal Suman of the SP who charged the Government with being insensitive to the needs of farmers. "This is something that will hit the farmers hard throughout the country," he said. He was supported by Raghunath Jha (Samata) Priyaranjan Dasmunsi (Cong.) and Raghuvansh Prasad (RJD).

Mr. Jha accused the Government of targeting farmers. "My party will never support such a measure."

Other NDA allies such as the TDP and the Shiv Sena were also quick to voice their disapproval. Yerran Naidu (TDP) said farmers were the backbone of the country and this measure would have its impact on the economy as well. He was supported by Gingee Ramachandran (DMK). The rollback demand was also supported by Pandian of the AIADMK.

The Opposition members led by Mr. Dasmunshi accused the NDA allies of paying "lip-service" to the cause of farmers. "If you are really concerned about the plight of the farmers, please announce that you will withdraw support if the Government does not withdraw the price increase," he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• We have kept our word on providing jobs: PM
• A magnificent obsession?
• Opposition for rollback of fertilizer prices
• Cong. may plump for Veerbhadra Singh?
• Action against Shanta Kumar likely
• No-trust motion against U.P. Speaker withdrawn
• BSNL slashes STD rates
• Charges framed
• Pak. denial

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu