The Maharashtra government doesn't act unless it is shown some "nuisance value", farmer leader Raju Shetti said here today.
He was referring to the recent agitation for better prices for milk spearheaded by the Swabhimani Shetkai Sanghatna headed by him, and the ongoing stir by the Marathas for reservation in government jobs and education.
During interaction with reporters, the Lok Sabha MP blamed the state government for violence during the milk and quota agitations.
"Before our recent milk agitation, a peaceful protest had been carried out for the milk price hike but the government did not pay heed to the farmers because they were protesting peacefully.
"The government accepted our demands only after we stopped the milk supply to cities and spilt milk on road," Shetti said.
He said the Maratha community had carried out 58 peaceful agitations across Maharashtra in the past, which were received worldwide appreciation for peaceful protests.
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"However, the government did not pay attention. As the Maratha agitation has turned violent, the government is swinging into action," Shetti said while clarifying that he was against violence.
Drawing a parallel between the erstwhile UPA and current NDA government, Shetti said the earlier regime was also inefficient.
"However, the then prime minister would discuss the issue with agitators unlike the present government which does not believe in talks," he claimed.
The farmer leader, who had snapped ties with the NDA over the farmers' issues last year, said he would not repeat the same mistake by joining hands with the BJP.
"But it does not mean that I would join the UPA. We have not taken any decision on the future alliance," he added.
Shetti also accused the government of not resolving the issue of reservation for Dhangar (shepherd) community who are seeking the ST quota.