Giving farmers Rs 5,000 treats them like beggars, says Swabhimani leader Ravikant Tupkar

Ravikant Tupkar, a leader of the Swabhimani farmers' organisation, has criticised the state government over farmers' economic problems. Speaking in Nanded, he said the Rs 5,000 aid being given to farmers amounted to treating them like beggars. On the occasion, he also made a controversial statement about finance companies and the government.

Tupkar said the government has crores of rupees for the Kumbh Mela, the Shaktipeeth Expressway, the Samruddhi Expressway and the purchase of vehicles for ministers. He asked why only Rs 5,000 was being given to farmers. He said the amount was very small given the hardships farmers face.

Expressing his anger, Tupkar asked, "Does the government consider farmers beggars?" He said that when farmers are facing natural disasters, they should receive adequate financial help. He also asked why the government, which raises funds for big projects and various expenses, holds back when it comes to giving farmers solid help.

Tupkar also said that had the government given farmers proper and adequate help, they would have welcomed it by beating drums instead of agitating. His demand is that the government increase the aid amount and take a firm decision on farmers' issues.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing agitation over farmers' issues, Tupkar also expressed deep anger over the working of finance companies. In the context of the agitation, it is being alleged that farmers are struggling with financial hardship and are being pressured over loan recovery.

Tupkar said the farmers' organisation has so far vandalised the office of only one finance company. According to him, further action will not be limited to offices, and the finance company people and ministers will also be taught a lesson. He also said they would break the mouths of the finance company people and drag ministers onto the road by their collars.

Tupkar's remarks were made on the questions of aid to farmers, loan recovery and the government's spending priorities.