
Under a combined opposition attack that stalled the Lok Sabha, government today promised to amend the controversial sugaracane ordinance against which growers from northern states converged here in protest.
DMK, a key UPA ally, joined the demand for a review of the ordinance as the opposition stalled proceedings in the Lok Sabha on the issue leading to its adjournament on the first day of the winter session.
With political temperatures rising on the issue, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said suitable amendment would be made to the Ordinance if it went against interests of farmers.
"We will not do anything that goes against the farmers. The government will look into the matter again and if it is in the interest of farmers the Ordinance will be suitably amended", Prime Minister told Rahul Gandhi who met him in the backdrop of a massive farmers' agitation in the capital.
The government's response came as a determined opposition stepped up its agitation against the Ordinance brought by the Centre and to press for withdrawal of uniform price of sugarcane.
As main opposition BJP, Samajwadi Party, Left parties, JD (U),JD (S), RJD and Rashtriya Lok Dal disrupted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha, DMK, too, voiced its opposition to the Ordinance.
The Sugarcane Control (Amendment) Order 2009 Ordinance has changed the sugarcane pricing policy, fixing a uniform Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) which would put the burden on states if they choose to pay more than FRP to farmers.
The Prime Minister's assurance came on a day of hectic consultations in the government that saw senior cabinet ministers P Chidmabaram and M Veerapa Moily having detailed discussion with Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on the issue. The Prime Minister is also believed to have a word with Pawar on the issue.
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