This govt can't do anything for you: Raj Thackeray to farmers

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray shakes hands with his well-wishers at his residence in Mumbai October 22, 2008, after being released from a jail earlier today. Protesters in northern and eastern India set alight trains, blocked roads and damaged the home of the head of a Tata Motors factory on Wednesday, in retaliation for attacks on migrants in western India. In Mumbai on Tuesday, regional politician Thackeray, head of the small but vocal MNS, was arrested on charges of rioting and provoking attacks on migrant workers. REUTERS/Stringer (INDIA) - GM1E4AM1RTR01

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray came out in support of the farmers who have reached here after undertaking a 'Long March' to Mumbai from Nashik to press their various demands including full loan waiver.

"This government is incapable of doing anything," the MNS chief said, addressing thousands of farmers who rested at Somaiya Ground in Sion area after reaching the city this evening.

"I have come to greet you. You have come all the way in this heat. Give me the reins of power and I will show what can be done," the MNS chief said.

"Don't forget your bleeding feet. These people (the BJP-led Maharashtra government) have shown you dreams, but have not kept their word," Thackeray said.

"Don't fall prey to their promises. They value you only during elections. Farmer suicides haven't stopped in this state yet. Tomorrow the government will try to fob you off with some promises. But the government itself is pauper, so what can it offer you?" Thackeray said.

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil also lashed out at the government and asked why it "waited so long" to understand farmers' woes.

"Govt has woken up so invited farmers for talks. Why didn't they show such understanding earlier. Come what may government has to fulfil all demands of farmers. All Congress legislators (are) with the farmers," the Congress leader said.