As agri minister Sharad Pawar wanted APMC Act amended; so did unions: BJP claims duplicity

Under fire from Opposition and farmers over agriculture laws, BJP'on Sunday hit back at m and reminded m of similar demands y had made when party was t in power. BJP National General Secretary BL Santhosh on Sunday shared an article from an English daily dated back to 2008, headlined "Allow corporates to procure wheat: Farmers".

'Just understand duplicity of same unions'

"This was in 2008. Farmers of Punjab & Haryana demanding allowing of corporates in agri marketing. Just understand duplicity of same unions w," he tweeted with hashtag '#FarmersWithModi' 

BJP leader also hit back at NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar who is backing farmers' protest against contentious agri reforms. Santhosh, sharing a copy of letter, said Pawar in 2010 wrote to n Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit that agriculture sector needs well-functioning markets to drive growth, employment and ecomic prosperity in rural area of country.

'Turncoats to core'

"This requires huge investments in marketing infrastructure including cold-chain. And for this, private sector participation is essential, for which an appropriate regulatory and policy environment needs to be in place," his letter said, calling for amending state APMC Act.

'In 2010, great Kaka who returned Padma award demanding participation of Private players in agri marketing. Same kaka sings different tune w. Turncoats to core," BL Santhosh said. 

Pawar was Union agriculture, consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister in n Manmohan Singh-led government. Meanwhile, he is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind on December 9 over ongoing farmers' protest against new agrarian laws after NCP joined or opposition parties in supporting 'Bharat Bandh' called on December 8 by farmer unions, which have demanded repeal of Centre's new agri-marketing laws.

ruling BJP has accused opposition of playing politics on matter and ted that manifesto of main opposition party, Congress, had also batted for some of reforms Modi government has ushered in.  government has been holding talks with union leaders, and next round of dialogue is scheduled for December 9. 

(With ncy inputs)