New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi lashed out at the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for not clearing the dues of sugarcane farmers. Uttar Pradesh goes to polls next year.
Addressing Congress's 'Pratigya rally' in Moradabad, Priyanka Gandhi said, "It will take only Rs 4,000 crore for clearing all dues of sugarcane farmers. PM Modi bought a private aircraft for Rs 8,000 crore last year during Covid-19. Centre is paying Rs 20,000 crore for beautification of Parliament but don't have money to clear your dues."
The Congress General Secretary also stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't pay any respect to the farmers who died during the agitation against the now withdrawn farm laws.
"700 farmers died but PM Modi did not speak even for two minutes. Even the farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri were crushed but nobody spoke even a word," Gandhi said.
"Farmers are committing suicide due to acute shortage of fertilisers. I met family members of two deceased farmers. We will buy paddy and wheat from farmers at Rs 2500 per quintal and suga cane at Rs 400 per quintal. We will waive loans of farmers," she further said.
Violence erupted in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3 after farmer leaders claimed that Ashish Misra, the son of Minister of State for Home Ajay Misra, ran over four farmers during a protest. Ashish Misra has been arrested.
Priyanka Gandhi also claimed that policies by the Yogi Adityanath-led government destroyed the businessmen in the state.
"Congress will contest elections on basis of development. We will provide 20 lakh jobs. A manufacturing hub will open in every district," Priyanka Gandhi said.
Priyanka Gandhi also took a dig at BJP’s policies, saying no black money was returned by demonetisation and the GST only harmed the businessmen. She also said that "electricity, diesel, and raw materials all are expensive".
Gandhi also highlighted the recent UPTET paper cancellation, saying that "this is not the first time the paper has been out, it has happened 12 times".