MUMBAI: NCP has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of giving false assurances to farmers over his much publicised ‘ Chai Pe Charcha’.

The issue of drought rocked both houses of legislature on Tuesday. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had to return from the airport to the legislative building to counter the opposition’s threat of stalling proceedings. NCP group leader Jayant Patil said farmer Vithal Sawai Rathod (45) from Dabhadi village in Yavatmal district, who had attended a Chai Pe Charcha session with Modi on March 20 last year, committed suicide on February 24 this year after waiting for the promised compensation. “Modi, who was then BJP’s PM candidate, had assured villagers that he would resolve their problems. But he forgot his promise. The Centre has still not released funds promised last year for drought relief,” said Patil, adding that since January, 200 farmers have committed suicide.

In the backdrop of the recent unseasonal showers, some leaders urged all legislators, government officials and parliamentarians to donate a part of their salaries towards compensation to farmers.

Also, the state moved for re-appropriation of Rs 3,536 crore in the budget to facilitate Rs 2,500 crore towards farmers’ compensation, food security and debt repayment. This amply made clear that the state may not get a full Rs 4,000 crore in aid from the Centre to meet damages to crops and livestock.

