Nana Patole slams BJP, defends farmers after suspension from assembly

Nagpur: Senior Congress leader Nana Patole launched a strong attack on former BJP minister Babanrao Lonikar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday over recent remarks perceived as insulting to farmers. Patole stated, "Modi may be the messiah of BJP and Lonikar, but he cannot be the messiah of farmers."

The former MPCC president was on Tuesday suspended for one day from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for addressing farmer issues. He made the statement outside the House, asserting he had no regrets. "I threw away my Lok Sabha membership for farmers. What is a one-day suspension? I'm ready to give up my MLA post and even my life if it helps farmers," Patole told TOI.

He added that he would continue to rake up many issues related to the farmers in Maharashtra and particularly in Vidarbha daily in the session and continue to fight to ensure justice to them. "This BJP-led govt has forgotten its election promise to wave off farmers loans," he said.

The controversy arose from a recent comment by Lonikar, who claimed that Modi provides everything to farmers, including money for sowing, clothes, and mobile phones. Patole mocked the statement.

Patole, the Sakoli MLA, further accused the ruling BJP of being fundamentally anti-farmer. "Agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate has repeatedly disrespected farmers — first by comparing them to beggars, then by advising them to use debt relief funds for their children's weddings," he said.

"These people came to power promising loan waivers, minimum support prices, and 24-hour free electricity. Today, they insult the very people they promised to serve. This is arrogance of power," Patole added, demanding public apologies from both Lonikar and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for their party's treatment of farmers.

Despite the suspension from the Assembly, Patole remained defiant. "They can try to silence me as much as they want, but I will not back down from fighting for farmers," he said.