Yashwant Sinha launches protests against BJP-led Maharashtra govt for farmers right; Mamata, Kejriwal lend support

Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha has relaunched a protest against the Maharashtra government for its ‘apathy’ towards soybean and cotton farmers in the Vidarbha region of the state in Akola police ground.

The former Union minister along with 250 farmers were arrested by Maharashtra Police on Sunday. Since his release, he is camping the at Akola police ground and relaunched a protest against the BJP-led Maharashtra government.

The former union minister and farmers are demanding compensation for damage crops.

Sinha said, “We have decided to continue with our protest in the police ground till our demands are met.”

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He added that the state government is responsible for the current condition of the farmers. “BJP had promised to give 50 per cent and above the minimum support price (MSP) to farmers. On gaining power, the party forgot its promise," Mr Sinha said.

The former union minister said, “My protest is not political. I have had no words with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Neither has he reached out to me, nor have I tried to talk to him.”

He added that he will not get involved in any party politics. “I am fighting for the farmers. I don’t want to get diverted from the issue. It is nothing to do with any politics.”

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took on Twitter to support Sinha’s fight against BJP-led Maharashtra government for rights of farmers.

After a photo of Sinha sleeping on a wooden cot in the open went viral on social media, Banerjee showed her concern and wrote, “I am sending our MP Dinesh Trivedi to meet him. He has our full support.”

While, Kejriwal demanded immediate release of the former union minister.