BJP Refutes Congress Allegations on Minimum Support Price as False Claims

The BJP has refuted Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala's claims that the central government intends to dismantle the minimum support price (MSP) system for agricultural products. Amit Malviya, head of BJP's IT department, criticised Surjewala, suggesting that after contributing to Congress's defeat in Haryana, he is now making unfounded statements.

Surjewala accused the BJP-led government of attempting to eliminate MSP through indirect means. He claimed that paddy procurement in Punjab and Haryana had decreased compared to the same period last year. "There are six parts of the conspiracy. The principal part of the conspiracy is to finish MSP through backdoor, ultimately abolish the MSP, abolish the grain markets on the pattern of Bihar, gradually abolish crop purchase at MSP by cutting it down. Today, they have cut down the purchase by half, then they will cut down by more. In next 2-4 years, they will make MSP redundant, make registration for farmers on designated portal redundant," he alleged.

Procurement Figures and Allegations

Malviya countered these allegations by stating that procurement was delayed due to rain but is now proceeding as planned. He assured that both Punjab and Haryana are on track to meet their paddy procurement targets by November 30 and November 15, respectively. In Haryana, 45 LMT of paddy had been procured by October 29, 2024, which is 87% of the 52 LMT procured by October 29, 2023. Similarly, in Punjab, 67 LMT had been procured by October 29, 2024, representing 80% of last year's figure of 84 LMT.

Malviya highlighted that compared to last year, procurement figures in both states are consistent when viewed in percentage terms nationwide. He also pointed out that the MSP for paddy has risen from Rs 1,310 per unit in 2013-14 to Rs 2,300 per unit in 2023-24. Since 2018-19, MSP has guaranteed a return of at least 50% over the all-India weighted average cost of production.

Political Accusations

Malviya accused Congress of misleading farmers in Punjab and Haryana with false information. He further alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka is seizing farmers' land and transferring it to the Waqf Board to secure Muslim votes, leaving farmers without land.

He expressed confidence that Indian citizens are observing Congress's actions and will respond decisively against them in upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

The ongoing debate over MSP reflects broader political tensions between BJP and Congress. Both parties continue to engage in public disputes over policies affecting farmers and agricultural practices across India.