Prahlad Joshi urges state government to address sugarcane farmers’ demands immediately
Bengaluru: Union Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Prahlad Joshi, has strongly urged the Karnataka state government to immediately address the demands of sugarcane farmers, emphasizing that any delay in resolving their issues would not be acceptable.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Friday, Joshi insisted that the state government should urgently call for talks with both sugarcane farmers and sugar mill owners to swiftly resolve the ongoing crisis. He criticized the government's inaction, stating that forcing farmers to protest on the streets brings shame to the government. Joshi called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the relevant ministers to intervene directly and resolve the issue without further delay.
"Delaying the legitimate demands of sugarcane farmers is not acceptable. It is wrong for the government to pass the blame onto the Centre, especially when the Centre has already granted several concessions to the sugar industry," Joshi said.
Joshi also pointed out that the Centre had already approved additional sugar exports to support the industry. He confirmed that the government had allowed the export of 1.5 million tons of extra sugar, responding to requests from sugar mills. In addition, the Centre has approved the export of molasses. Furthermore, the Centre has ensured that the farmers receive Rs. 3500 per ton for their sugarcane, as per their demands.
He emphasized that the central government had already paid 99% of the payments to sugar mills and that there was a notable increase in the ethanol production from 35 lakh metric tons in the past year.
Joshi criticized the state government for attempting to shift the blame to the Centre instead of taking action at the state level. "The Centre has made significant efforts to support the sugar industry and farmers, but the state government is playing politics and making excuses," he said.
He also commented on the internal discord within the Congress party, stating, "There are conflicting statements from various Congress leaders in the state. They are just making empty promises and talking about irrelevant things."
Reacting to statements from Congress leaders about a "November Revolution," Joshi said that the remarks signified the government's instability. "When the state government talks about revolution, it is an indication of their own failure to govern effectively. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his ministers are busy making conflicting statements, and the administration is in complete disarray," Joshi said.
Joshi also remarked on the uncertainty of the so-called November Revolution, stating that while Congress leaders claim to have an agenda, they have failed to show any real commitment to addressing the people's concerns. He urged the state leadership to focus on governance and fulfill their duties in the best interests of the public.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
