Date:15/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/15/stories/2002121504400800.htm

National

Opposition instigating farmers, says BJP

LUCKNOW DEC. 14. Accusing the Opposition in Uttar Pradesh of ``instigating'' the sugarcane farmers, the BJP today alleged that the Munderwa incident that left three farmers dead was a ``fall out of the Opposition's attempts to hijack the farmers' agitation for their ulterior motives.''

``Instead of helping in restoration of order, the Opposition is busy politicising the situation for their petty interests,' a senior BJP leader, Kalraj Misra, told reporters here.

The BSP-BJP Government is aware of the problems faced by the farmers and efforts are on to persuade private sugar mills to buy cane at reasonably good prices, he said.

Mr. Misra said if the Opposition was really concerned about the plight of sugarcane farmers, instead of instigating them, it should help in resolving their problems.

PTI