Blame game in MP assembly over relief for farmers

A special session of the Madhya Pradesh assembly on Thursday, called to discuss the drought situation in the state, witnessed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition Congress indulging in blame-game, calling each other anti-farmer.

Just as the day-long special session commenced, the Congress party's volley of allegations against the state government irked Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan who accused it of indulging in petty politics.

Asserting that there would be several opportunities available for levelling charges, Chouhan said it was the time to offer immediate relief to farmers for which the session has been called.

Congress members said the government was using the opposition for political advantage and despite big announcements of incentives, the benefits never reached the farmers.

Congress legislator Mukesh Nayak alleged that the Chouhan government, which claimed to have written off farmers' power dues, was actually harassing farmers for recovery of electricity outstandings by seizing their motorbikes, tractors, and even fans.