Govt signals bonanza for farmers in the coming budget

NEW DELHI: Government today gave yet another signal that the coming Budget would come out with a bonanza for farmers as it made light of opposition disruptions of Parliament on peasants issue. "An attempt is being made by opposition to send a message that if the budget is good, then it is because of their effort," Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters after Parliament proceedings were stalled for the second day on the issue.

Asserting that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi were second to none in redressing grievances of farmers, he detailed the steps taken by the ruling alliance including massive hikes in the Minimum Support Prices for farm produce. Appealing to opposition to honour its commitment to ensure smooth passage of important legislations, he said if there were shortcomings, they could even bring a cut motion and even a one rupee cut could lead to collapse of the government.

"24 hours are left for the Budget. Heavens will not fall. If there is any shortcoming, they (opposition) have every right to agitate and bring a cut motion," Dasmunsi said. At the AICC briefing, party spokesman Manish Tiwari spoke in similar vein and accused the BJP of shedding crocodile tears on the farmers issue. He claimed that the BJP government in Rajasthan had neglected the plight of farmers who suffered heavy losses following heavy frost. Similar situation persist in other states ruled by the saffron party. He said Parliament was for dialogue and discussion and therefore all parties should come forward and discuss any issue including the farmers.