Mumbai: A day after abusing the agitating farmers over tur procurement, State BJP chief Raosaheb Danve on Thursday expressed regret over his comments, while claiming that he has always been the farmers’ sympathiser.
The BJP leader said, “I was trying to convince one of my party workers on tur procurement. It was just a dialogue between me and the party worker. I did not use any cuss word against the farmers. But, somehow, they are hurt and I express my regrets. I am a son of farmer and I know the farmers’ plight. I have been taking the farmers’ side throughout the 35 years of my political career.”
Mr. Danve, while inaugurating Water Sanitation Minister Babanrao Lonikar’s public relation office in Jalana on Wednesday, had said, “This government has accepted to purchase one more lakh tonne tur . Saalein don’t stop crying even after that.”
The Congress, however, has announced a state-wide agitation. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ashok Chavan demanded an apology from the BJP. He said Mr. Danve has insulted the farmers when the government is not procuring tur and not even announcing a loan waiver. “Important leaders in the ruling party are making irresponsible statements. This is nothing but sheer arrogance. Power has gone into their heads. By abusing farmers, Mr. Danve has added insult to their injury.”
Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam tweeted,“...he first abused the farmers and then cursed too. This is the true face of the BJP. The anti-farmer BJP.”
Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil demanded that the Chief Minister clear the air on Mr. Danve’s remarks.
Meanwhile, ruling partner Shiv Sena held protests against Mr. Danve in Osmanabad, Shirdi, Wani in Yavatmal, Ahmednagar, Hingoli, and Dombivali.
“Mr. Danve’s comments are unfortunate. There is an widespread anger. Through their protests, the farmers have expressed their anger towards those who are anti-farmer,” said Sena leader Anil Parab.
