Opposition closes ranks on sugarcane price issue

Sun, Nov 8 06:06 AM

The issue of sugarcane pricing on Saturday saw two estranged sides — the SP and CPM — close ranks to protest the Centre's FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price) policy. The main Opposition BJP too declared its intention to oppose the FRP ordinance in Parliament.

The day was witness to significant political meetings with SP general Amar Singh first calling on RLD chief Ajit Singh — spearheading the agitation — at his residence in the morning following which Ajit Singh proceeded to meet CPM general secretary Prakash Karat. Both leaders extended their support to Ajit Singh in his opposition to the Centre's FRP policy. Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley reached the RLD leader's residence later in the day and assured that the BJP would not allow the FRP ordinance to be passed in Parliament.

The meetings assume significance amidst efforts by the SP to warm up to the CPM after the relation between the two soured over support to the Indo-US nuke deal. Sources have it that having been shunned by the Congress, SP's Amar Singh was once again striving to revive the alliance between the Socialists and Left.

"If needed, we (SP) led by Mulayam Singh Yadav will join Ajit Singh to protect the farmer's interest," Amar Singh said after the meeting while castigating the Congress while Karat said the FRP ordinance was against farmers and asked the Centre to revoke it. "We will oppose it and not allow the government to pass it," Karat said.

Ajit Singh said the anti-farmer legislation by the Centre had united all the opposition parties. "All are supporting the cause of the farmers. If the Centre does not take back the FRP ordinance then farmers will lay siege to Parliament," Singh said.

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