Rahul holds padyatra in Vidarbha region

Said this is not a govt that stands for farmers, workers and small businessmen, but for big business interests

Stepping up the attack on the Narendra Modi government, Congress-Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused it of "abandoning" farmers at a time when the country was faced with an agrarian crisis, and backing "crony capitalists".

During his day-long padyatra (foot march) through the affected villages of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, he told reporters, "The situation is very disturbing.There is a feeling of abandonment. The role of the government is to extend a helping hand to the people when they suffer. But the governments in Maharashtra and at the Centre have let them down."

"The farmers have complained they have been deprived of the bonus by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government across the country. This government is for a few crony capitalists and has no interest in protecting the farmers, the poor man, and labourers," added the Congress vice-president.

Targeting Prime Minister Modi, he said, "This is not a government that stands for farmers, workers and small businessmen, but for big business interests."