By IANS,
New Delhi : Charging the Congress-led central government with apathy towards farmers, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thursday announced a nationwide stir from Aug 3 to 8.
“The BJP decided to launch a nationwide agitation by staging demonstrations and dharnas between Aug 3 and 8 at each district headquarters in the country against the insensitive and complacent attitude of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government towards drought relief,” said BJP leader and former party chief Rajnath Singh said.
“These demonstrations will be followed by a massive protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi Aug 20 which will be attended by the farmers from all over the country,” he said.
The BJP leader also demanded change in the nutrient-based subsidy policy and controlling of the hike in fertiliser prices. He also said that the central government should provide free electricity to farmers for this year.
“They must also give loan at zero interest and encourage crops which can grow without irrigation so that the farmers can get some earning,” Rajnath Singh said.
The former BJP president also demanded “a separate centralized monitoring cell” for monitoring rainfall situation and the progress of the Kharif season on a daily basis.