Union Minister's Odisha visit sparks off political spat

Bhubaneswar, Nov 12 : Union Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited Odisha on Sunday to assess the drought situation and pest menace, sparking a war of words between him and the Biju Janata Dal state government.

While Odisha Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout accused the Central government of infringing into the state government's rights, Shekhawat said there is no need for discussion with it on farmers' problems as the Centre is committed and answerable to the people of the country.

Rout said even though agriculture is a state subject, the Union Minister has visited the state without taking the state government into confidence.

"There is no problem in the visit of a Union Minister. But, Centre sends a team to analyse crop loss on the state's request," he said 

Rout also blamed Shekhawat of "campaigning for the BJP on public funds" and contended that while the state government is taking all possible steps for farmers' benefit, the Central government is not cooperating.

In response, Shekhawat said it is the duty of the Union government to address the farmers' issue.

"Farmers of 14 districts are now facing drought and pest menace in Odisha. It is the duty of the Union government to address the farmers' issue and for that we do not need the permission of the state government," he said.

He, however, assured to solve the farmer's issue in cooperation with the state government.

Shekhawat also held a review meeting with state government officials over the drought and pest attack situations, where the state urged him to hike agriculture input subsidy by 50 per cent to affected farmers.

"Presently, affected farmers are getting compensation of Rs 6,800 per hectare in rain-fed areas. We requested him to raise this amount by at least 50 per cent. Since we are following Government of India guidelines this can be changed by them," said Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi.

Shekhawat, along with a Central team, is on a two-day visit to the state