The winter session of the Maharashtra legislature, set to begin on December 8 in Nagpur, is likely to be stormy if cotton and sugarcane prices issue dominates proceedings.
What's the new govt up against?
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government is likely to be cornered by opposition parties — Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP — over prices of cotton and sugarcane, among other issues. Even Swabhimani Shetakri Sangathan, BJP's alliance partner, may join the opposition's chorus over farmers' issue.
Nagpur is Fadnavis's home town and BJP has maximum legislators from Vidarbha, so the winter session is likely to go on for three weeks.
Why are farmers upset?
Their leader Vijay Jawandhia said cotton-growing farmers are in big trouble because of the low rates. "When BJP was in opposition, it had demanded Rs7,000 per quintal (100kg) of cotton. Now, it's in power but isn't doing anything (about it). This has exposed its superficial love for the farmers, there is no genuine concern," he said.
Why hasn't increasing MSP of cotton helped?
"The Centre has declared a minimum support price (MSP) Rs4,050 per quintal (of cotton) against last year's Rs4,000. It's a meagre Rs50 increase despite the input cost going up significantly. If farmers' problem is not addressed, they will be in deep financial trouble, leading to suicides in large numbers," said Jawandhia.
What is Congress saying?
President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee Manikrao Thakare said they will stage a protest against the poor rate for cotton, sugarcane and other crops. "CM Fadnavis has been saying they will extend all possible help to drought-prone regions, to Marathwada farmers. But he should declare exactly how much financial aid will be given," he said.
"Farmers were expecting 'achche din' from the BJP government, instead they are witnessing bad days in the first year of the new government itself. If farmers are ignored, we will make the upcoming winter session very stormy and not allow the House to function."
Uddhav slams Khadse for "sarcastic" comment
Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who set off on a tour of state's drought-prone region on Monday, criticised state agriculture minister Eknath Khadse for his comment on farmers. Khadse had said farmers have money to pay mobile phone bills but aren't concerned about electricity bills. Thackeray said there are mobile phone towers for round-the-clock network, but still state suffers from 10-15 hours of load-shedding.
"If Khadse continues to make such sarcastic comments on farmers' financial situation, they will show him his place, just like they showed NCP leader Ajit Pawar in the state polls. BJP has come to power, its leaders should not be arrogant..." he added.
Expertspeak
"There are many issues in state. BJP being the solo ruling party will have to face three opposition parties — Sena, Congress and NCP. All three want to prove themselves too, so they will not leave any opportunity to corner BJP. It'll be interesting to see how BJP handles the session," said a political observer.
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