Group of activists quits Raju Shetti''s Swabhimani Paksha

A group of farmer activists on Tuesday announced that they are quitting Raju Shetti-led

Swabhimani Paksha and forming a new forum to fight for farmers and youths in the state.

The Swabhimani Paksha is the political wing of former MP Shetti's Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna. It currently has

one MLA in the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Swabhimani Paksha leader and former Union minister

Subodh Mohite told reporters here that their new forum will fight for issues of youths and farmers, and won't talk on any

other issues including "senseless political" subjects. "Breaking the party or damaging the person (Shetti) is

not the intention. The party cannot fulfill whatever expectations we had, and he (Shetti) does not have that much

vision. Hence, instead of only doing stunts, we have taken this step to work for the people," said Mohite.

Mohite did not disclose exactly how many farmers activists have quit the Swabhimani Paksha, but he claimed that

top office-bearers of the party from various regions are with them.

He further said they will soon organise a rally of their new forum and announce details about new office-bearers.

Mohite also demanded that the state government bring out a white paper about the employment potential generated in

the past five years in Maharashtra, and prepare a road map for the next four years.