SSS MP Raju Shetti accuses BJP government of deceiving farmers

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana (SSS) MP Raju Shetti, whose party is an ally of the NDA and is part of the Maharashtra government, today accused the BJP of "deceiving" farmers.
"Though this government is arrogant, we shall not rest till we bring them down to their knees. It was my mistake that we asked the farmers to vote for the BJP. Hence as a matter of repentance we have undertaken this 'Atmaklesh Yatra' (repentance)," Shetti told reporters in Panvel.
Shetti, a Lok Sabha MP from Hatkanangle constituency in Kolhapur, started his march from Pune on May 22 to Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

Shetti's blood pressure had dropped and there were blisters on his feet. Doctors advised him rest, saying he could undertake the march and reach Mumbai two days later.
However, a determined Shetti said, "we shall reach Mumbai on May 30 come what may, even if we have to crawl, we shall crawl and reach Mumbai."
He added, "The BJP government has been aggressively speaking false. Is this Acche Din? Tur procurement prices have crashed from Rs 11,000 per quintal to Rs 4,000 per quintal. Procurement prices of Onion has come down from Rs 12 to Rs 1.50 (per kg).

"They are now calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'Bahubali'. What has he done for farmers... Only advertisements and social media... We farmers may be ignorant, but we are aware of what is going on."

However, Shetti's aide and Minister of State for Agriculture Sadabhau Khot did not join his leader's march citing health reasons.
While Shetti is siding with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in criticising their own government, Khot is on the side of BJP.
Meanwhile, both Shetti and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) spokesperson Sachin Sawant today slammed BJP MPs, MLAs and office bearers for getting their feet washed by farmers in Akola during their 'Shivarsamvad Yatra' (dialogue with farmers).