Maha BJP president Raosaheb Danve says sorry for his remarks against farmers

Danve, at a meeting of BJP workers in Jalna, said “farmers are complaining, even though the state has procured large quantities of tur dal produce”.

Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve apologised to farmers on Thursday, a day after his comment that “farmers are complaining, even though the state has procured large quantities of tur dal produce” led to a controversy.

Danve, in a press statement on Thursday said he was only explaining the procurement crisis to his party workers. (HT File)

Marathi news channels on Wednesday aired clips of Danve speaking at a meeting of BJP workers in Jalna. “Even after the state has bought so much tur, they (farmers) have not stopped crying.” Danve apparently said, adding an expletive.

Danve, in a press statement on Thursday said he was only explaining the procurement crisis to his party workers during an interaction in Jalna district, on May 10 and he did not pass any derogatory remark.

“I am a farmer and have been in active politics for more than 35 years. It was an interaction with party workers, who have been given the task of going to farmers to explain the government’s achievements in the state and Centre. When a worker asked questions on the tur crisis, I started to elaborate on the government’s decision of procuring 1 lakh metric tonnes of tur dal. There was no question of using any foul language. The interaction between us should not be linked with the farmers. I apologise if anybody’s sentiments are hurt,” the statement reads.

The Nationalist Congress Party has sought Danve’s resignation.