Date:19/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/19/stories/2007111950420100.htm

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MSP: call for bandh on Nov. 21

Hunger strike launched to mount pressure on Government

HYDERABAD: Farmers’ organisations affiliated to various political parties have called for a State bandh on November 21 to protest against the Government’s indifference in enhancing MSP for paddy to Rs. 1,000 per quintal.

Representatives of the CPI-affiliated AP Ryotu Sangham, CPI (M)’s Rythu Sangham, TDP’s Telugu Rythu, Bharatiya Janata Kisan Morcha and TRS’ farmers’ wing launched an indefinite hunger strike on Sunday to mount pressure on the Government to concede their demand. The Rs.50 bonus, announced by the Centre, was an ‘eyewash’ and would not serve any purpose, they said.

Threat issued

Addressing the participants, Telugu Rythu president Cheruku Muthyam Reddy and Ryotu Sangham president K. Ramakrishna said the organisations would intensify their protest if the Government failed to enhance the MSP for paddy and other crops.

V. Surender Reddy, TRS farmers’ wing president, said that in addition to the bonus, the State should contribute the balance amount to fulfil the farmers’ aspiration of Rs.1,000 MSP for paddy.

BJP State president Bandaru Dattatreya, who called on the agitators, wanted the Government to understand the concerns expressed by farmers and concede the demand. The Centre was not inclined to enhance the MSP for paddy, he lamented.

Manmohan faulted

Faulting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his “lack of understanding” of farmers’ issues, he wondered how the increased production target by three million tonnes could be achieved if farmers were not paid remunerative prices. Expressing support to the bandh, Mr. Dattatreya said the party would raise the issue in Parliament and mount pressure on the Centre.