Sadabhau Khot says he has decided his future "direction"

Maharashtra Minister of State for Agriculture Sadabhau Khot today said he has decided in which "direction" he wants to go.

Relations between Khot, who belongs to pro-farmer Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna, and the party president and MP Raju Shetti are strained for some time, and speculation is rife that Khot may join the BJP.

"After I became minister, many people have become restless and they are shedding crocodile tears. I have decided which direction to go in in future," Khot told reporters here.

He was responding to Shetti's jibe yesterday that "there is no use of Hanuman if he can not help Sita when she needs him the most", implying that Khot wasn't helping the cause of state's farmers.
 

"I have seen many ups and downs in my life and there will be problems in future as well. But I will fight them. Nobody needs to quit power. I am here (as a minister) to resolve farmers' issues. We have to come together and work for farmers," Khot said, responding to Shetti's threat to pull out of the BJP-led government if it didn't announce farm loan waiver within a month.

Asked about the government's stand on farmers's proposed 'strike' from tomorrow, Khot said the government is holding talks with farmers' organisations, and a solution will be found very soon.

"I have requested the Chief Minister to set up a committee consisting of members of farmers' organisations and Government officials and come up with a policy on loan waiver. Farmers cannot be left alone. This government has been formed only due to the blessings of farmers," Khot said.