Singur (West Bengal), April 9 Union Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the state government over the condition of farmers in Singur, alleging neglect, lack of policy implementation, and failure to provide justice over the past 15 years.
Speaking to IANS, Chouhan claimed that farmers in Singur were “shedding tears of blood” and feeling completely exhausted due to prolonged distress. He claimed that agricultural land in the region had been ruined, with neither industrial development taking off nor the land being restored to a condition suitable for farming.
“The farmers are saying that they belong neither here nor there. They were left in misery and have not received justice. If the state government had wanted, the condition of farmers here could have changed in the last 15 years,” he said, in an apparent attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Launching a political attack on the ruling party, Chouhan remarked, "TMC means too much Crime, TMC means too much Corruption, and TMC means too much conspiracy."
Highlighting the plight of potato farmers, the Union Minister said he personally witnessed heaps of potatoes lying unsold in Singur, as farmers were unable to secure remunerative prices. He alleged that the produce was being sold at throwaway rates, worsening the financial distress of cultivators.
Chouhan further criticised the state government for not utilising central schemes aimed at supporting farmers. He referred to initiatives such as the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Market Intervention Scheme, under which the Centre permits states to procure agricultural produce to stabilise prices.
“Despite all the schemes of the Government of India, they have not even sought permission to implement them. This clearly reflects their intent — they are allowing farmers to suffer and are not concerned about their welfare,” he claimed.
The Union Minister added that the Centre remains willing to extend all possible support and would once again engage with the state government to ensure that farmers benefit from available schemes.
“We will again hold discussions with the state government so that these schemes can be implemented. Or after a change in power, the central and state governments will work together as a double-engine government to resolve the problems of farmers here,” he stated.
On the issue of SIR, Chouhan also took a swipe at Opposition voices, alleging irregularities in voter lists. He said that those who had indulged in wrongdoing were now raising objections.
“If any incorrect names have been added or if the names of deceased individuals are still on the list, then what is the issue in removing them? Those who win through scams and frauds are bound to be worried,” he remarked.
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