Sena's protests against BJP's Danve are meaningless: NCP

The opposition NCP has sought to downplay the protests held today by the Shiv Sena against state unit BJP president Raosaheb Danve, under flak for his remarks against farmers, stating the Uddhav Thackeray-led party continues to be a partner of the ruling BJP.
Addressing a press conference here, state unit NCP president Sunil Tatkare said the Sena, which held demonstrations in different parts of the state, should clarify on the work done by it for farmers since coming to power in 2014.
"Arrogance of power prompted Danve to make such remarks against farmers. When power goes to your head, your feet lose contact with ground. The protests held by Sena are meaningless," he said.

Referring to Danve's remarks, he said the government is not doing any favour to farmers by procuring tur.
Danve stirred up a storm yesterday saying that farmers continued to complain despite the state government doling out sops to help tur growers, hit by dip in prices due to increased output.
"The state government has so far procured the highest amount of tur in the history and it is going to purchase additional one lakh tonne, still some (referring to farmers) continue to complain," he said at Jalna in Marathwada.

"...Ajoon ek lakh tonne tur kharedi karnaar aahe taree radtaat (We are going to procure 1 lakh tonne of tur but still they are crying)," he said in a reply to a question raised by a BJP worker in Jalna.

As his remarks drew flak, Danve today expressed regret.
Continuing his diatribe against the state government, Tatkare alleged the lack of proper management and planning for procurement of tur.
"NCP leaders, including (party supremo) Sharad Pawar, will launch a statewide tour to strengthen the organisation from June 11. In July, divisional-level meetings will be held for the elected representatives who won the recent local bodies polls," Tatkare said.
Taking a dig at chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said, "Sustainable agriculture is good, but first give a good price for the agriculture produce. Last year, nature helped farmers with good rains but there was no good price for the agriculture produce".

The NCP leader said Pawar has chaired two meetings of party leaders, office-bearers and district unit chiefs, where he took stock of the results of the local bodies polls and of a political strategy of the party.
"The opposition recently took out 'Sangharsh yatra' (for a loan waiver) because of which the government came under pressure and decided to launch a 'Sanvad' (communication) yatra.
"The government is not taking a decision on waiving farm loan, only because the opposition has made the demand," he claimed.