BJP & Cong vie for BPL votes with cheap rice

RAIPUR: Knowing well the time-tested impact of giving rice at throwaway prices to people below the poverty line, both the ruling BJP and the main Opposition Congress are wooing voters with this incentive without bothering about the consequences on the Chhattisgarh economy. It was the Raman Singh-led BJP government in the state that started the scheme — on January 16, 2008 — of providing rice at Rs3 for those possessing the BPL cards, which interestingly are saffron — associated with BJP — in colour.

This was ostensibly done with an eye on the BPL voters. While BJP leaders feel this has sent a “good message” among the people, Congress started its assembly election campaign criticising the scheme but soon joined the bandwagon announcing that it will provide rice at Rs2 if voted to power. All BJP advertisements here openly declared that voters should cast their votes in favour of the saffron party as it is providing rice to poor at Rs3 and salt at 25 paise.

Later, the advertisements said salt would be provided free of cost to the poor. The advertisements clearly state that Rs945 crore has been earmarked for the purpose and about 36 lakh families would benefit by getting 35 kg rice every month.

Congress candidates started their campaign by vehemently condemning the policy. “Only those close to the BJP are getting rice at this rate. Many such families have got more than one such ration card. The others have been deprived,” said Rajju John, a Congress worker.

Others say those getting rice at such cheap rates are selling it off for upto Rs10 to the local grocers.