Vijayawada: The BJP today demanded the Centre to purchase paddy directly from the farmers through FCI and MARKFED so as to eliminate the role of the middlemen. BJP national executive member K Hari Babu alleged that state and central governments were adopting pro-middlemen policies resulting in loss of farmers. He further alleged that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and a large number of MPs from the state have failed to get Rs 1,000 minimum support price (MSP) for paddy.

The Centre was giving step-motherly treatment to paddy farmers by announcing Rs 695 MSP for paddy and Rs 1,000 MSP for wheat, he told reporters here.
The BJP leader said the party would hold Rythu Poru Bata in the state, demanding the government to provide Rs 1,000 MSP for paddy.
As part of the agitation, the party is conducting road shows. Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu will lead a road show at Rajampet, Cuddapah and proddutur on November 17,while party president Rajnath Singh will lead a similar show at Rajahmundry, Ravulapalem, Palakollu and Bhimavaram on November 20.
On the same day, Rajnath will address a public meeting at Vijayawada, Hari Babu said.

Referring to separate Andhra state, he said the BJP is organising coastal districts Mahasabha in February 2008 in Vijayawada in this regard.
Hari Babu said a BJP delegation from Andhra Pradesh had left for Delhi today to meet party high command to raise two issues in Parliament -- paddy MSP and bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh under rule 193.

Source : PTI