Fiery Nana Patekar backs peasants’ stir

Mumbai: The striking farmers of Maharashtra received a shot in the arm on Wednesday when Bollywood actor Nana Patekar and Marathi film superstar Makarand Anaspure, came out strongly in their support for a loan waiver. “It is unfortunate that the farmers had to resort to a strike to survive. Everyone must support the ongoing struggle of farmers,” appealed both actors. Nana and Makrand, have both been working for the families of the farmers who committed suicides through their NGO, NAAM, for the last two years.

“We were asked about our position on the ongoing farmer’s strike. NAAM supports the strike. The government may consider dropping farmers, who have other sources of income besides farming, from the list of beneficiaries. But those who are solely dependent on agriculture, must get a complete waive off,” they said.

The NAAM foundation has been working for the farmers since 2015. It started its work with a project of micro irrigation for farmers with the help of public funding in Marathwada and parts of Vidarbha.

Projects totalling almost Rs 100 crore are currently being undertaken by this project, which has gone a long way in helping the widows of farmers who have committed suicide, independent. This work undertaken by the NGO has received wide publicity and praise from all corners of society.

When the farmers strike began on June 1, many farmer leaders asked Mr Patekar and Mr Anaspure to support the battle. Responding to the appeal, Mr Patekar said, “If farmer’s get MSP for their produce, they will never need a loan waiver. If traders don’t buy produce as per MSP, then the government should do that.” Defending the agitation, Mr Patekar said that the instances of farmers dumping milk and vegetables stemmed from their anger and frustration and should be seen as such and as waste.

When asked about the allegations of politics in the agitation, Mr Patekar said, “Politics has been there for many years. But the support it is getting also means farmers are in a deep crisis and they need relief. To avoid politics, all farmers should have single representative organisation.”