New Delhi: The Congress party has sharpened its criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its agricultural policies, particularly targeting the plight of farmers in Maharashtra facing rising costs and diminishing prices. On Wednesday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized the perceived betrayal of farmers by the BJP, asserting there is no constituency the party has “backstabbed” harder than farmers. Ramesh's comments come as the Maharashtra polls approach, where the counting of votes is set for November 23.
"Farmers are suffering from zero assistance from the government as input prices rise, with no legal status being granted to the minimum support price (MSP)," Ramesh said. He pointed out the difficulty faced by farmers, who during droughts grapple with poor yields, and during times of excess rainfall, like the current year, deal with plummeting prices due to surplus produce.
According to Ramesh, the solution lies with the Congress party’s commitment to giving legal recognition to MSP, which should reflect the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. This includes ensuring prices are set at 1.5 times the total cost of cultivation.
Referencing previous promises made by BJP leaders, Ramesh highlighted former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's commitment from 2013, where he asserted farmers would be guaranteed Rs 6,000 per quintal for soyabean. Yet, as of 2024, soyabean is trading at merely Rs. 4,200 per quintal, significantly lower than both Fadnavis's promise and the current MSP of Rs 4,892.
Ramesh did not stop there. He also noted how cotton, another staple crop grown on millions of hectares across the state, has seen similar price declines. Farmers of these key crops have been left to struggle alone, he claimed, as the government's procurement promises have fallen short. For example, the government had pledged to procure 1.3 million tons of soyabean, yet only about 2,000 tonnes have actually been purchased so far.
Ramesh’s remarks are not just politically motivated; they reflect genuine concern among farmers gearing up for the upcoming elections. His statements ring alarmingly true for many who live off agriculture and find themselves increasingly vulnerable to market fluctuations and government policies.
During remarks meant to rally support for the Congress Party, Ramesh painted a dire picture, claiming, “There is perhaps no constituency where the BJP has backstabbed harder than farmers.” The criticism highlights the growing frustration among farming communities who've witnessed the BJP's promises seemingly vanish amid rising challenges.
If these sentiments resonate with the electorate, they could significantly impact the upcoming Maharashtra elections. Amidst the political rhetoric, real farmers across Maharashtra are seeking accountability and tangible support from the leaders they elect.
