Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 5: The Congress party in Maharashtra has launched a scathing attack against Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, accusing him of repeated and egregious insults directed at the state's farmers, and demanding his immediate removal from the Cabinet.

"The farmer, 'Baliraja,' sustains the world, yet Minister Kokate, intoxicated with power, persists in demeaning them," stated Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal. "After likening farmers to beggars, he now questions whether they should invest loan waiver funds in agriculture or frivolous celebrations. Kokate's continued insults warrant his immediate expulsion."

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar echoed Sapkal's sentiments, highlighting the plight of farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada, who have suffered significant crop damage due to unseasonal rains. "Instead of providing relief, the Agriculture Minister displays callous indifference with his sarcastic remarks," Wadettiwar asserted. "This government has abandoned farmers, believing they are untouchable due to their majority. They are indifferent to farmer suicides and losses. The MahaYuti government has no regard for the common people and farmers."

Wadettiwar demanded swift financial assistance for rain-affected farmers through immediate 'Panchnama' assessments. Sapkal further criticized the MahaYuti government for its unfulfilled loan waiver promises, citing the minister's remarks as a direct affront to farmers. "Government assistance or loan waivers are not favors; they utilize public funds, not Kokate's personal wealth," Sapkal emphasized. "If government policies supported agriculture, farmers wouldn't require such aid. This BJP-led coalition is anti-farmer. Kokate previously insulted farmers by comparing them to beggars and boasting about nominal insurance premiums. He suffers from a chronic need to insult farmers and must apologize."

Sapkal also referenced Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's advice to ministers regarding polite speech, lamenting its ineffectiveness. "Ministers disregard even the Chief Minister's directives and speak recklessly," Sapkal stated. "Kokate is a prime example, and he must cease his insensitive and insulting pronouncements."