Maharashtra: A day after farmers in Vidharbha climbed water tanks protesting against Government apathy over their plight, Maharashtra Deputy Minister R R Patil said the farmers' issues will be addressed within a month.
Patil visited independent MLA Bachchu Kadu, who is spearheading the farmers' campaign. "After my assurance they agreed to call off protests," says Patil.
"The Deputy Chief Minister climbed up the tank and assured us that he would urge the Central Government to address our issue at the soonest. However, if our demands are not met within a month, we will resume our agitation," Kadu said.
On Tuesday, a farmer reportedly jumped off a 50-foot tank when police tried to bring him down and was critically injured.
PAtil's visit visit came after the Maharashtra ministers were severely criticised for abandoning the ongoing Assembly session in Nagpur and flying to Delhi for NCP chief Sharad Pawar's birthday.
Most NCP MLAs and Ministers were celebrating, while the farmers were protesting. The farmers in Vidharbha want the government to increase cotton prices, provide easy loans and waive existing loans taken by them.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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