BJP criticises Centre's agriculture policy

Senior BJP leader Lalji tandon on Wednesday alleged the Centre was playing into the hands of rich countries.

Senior BJP leader Lalji tandon on Wednesday alleged the Centre was "playing into the hands of rich countries" while ignoring the interests of the country's farmers.

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"In Indian politics, there is tremendous scope for working for the farmers who constitute a significant part of the electorate. However, the UPA seems to be utterly indifferent to their interests," said Tandon, who is the leader of opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.

Addressing a two-day working committee meeting of the BJP Kisan Morcha that began in Allahabad on Wednesday, he criticised the government for importing wheat from Australia at a time when the produce of Indian farmers was rotting for want of remunerative prices.

"By purchasing wheat at high rates from Australia, the government has acted as an agent of that country," Tandon alleged.

He also accused the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh of indifference towards farmers, saying, "Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, who has always proclaimed himself to be a dharti putra (son of the soil) has become dhan putra (one who worships money)."