What did Congress do for farmers in 55 years, asks BJP

BJP's attack came just hours after Rahul Gandhi at a rally in Uttar Pradesh targeted BJP for ignoring the plight of farmers

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday wondered what the Congress did for the welfare of farmers during its 55 years of rule.

The BJP's attack came just hours after Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at a rally in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh targeted the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ignoring the plight of farmers.

"When they were in power, they could not understand the pain of farmers for half a century. Now suddenly they have woken up to the plight of farmers when they are out of power," BJP spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi said.

According to Trivedi, the central government has taken a number of steps for the welfare of farmers, including curbing the black marketing of urea and instituting the Fasal Bima Yojana to provide them cover for any crop loss.

"There is a huge difference between their thinking and our thinking," he said.

"I may remind you that the United Progressive Alliance government had signed a few agreements at the World Trade Organisation which were against the interests of our farmers. Our government revered them despite international pressure and criticism."

"Those who could not feel the pain of farmers for half a century, now speaking for farmers is ridiculous," he said.