Odisha BJP Launches Protest Against ‘Anti-Farmer’ Policies Of BJD Govt

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Padampur bypoll, BJP on Friday launched an indefinite dharna near the Odisha Assembly in Bhubaneswar protesting “anti-farmer” policies of the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government.

Even as farmers continued their stir in Padampur Assembly segment in Bargarh district alleging non-payment of crop insurance claims, Odisha BJP launched its ‘Satyagraha’ on several issues including farm assistance, crop insurance, supply of fertilisers and seeds.

Alleging that the BJD government’s potato and onion missions have completely failed, the BJP leaders said that despite this, there is no policy in place to help farmers recover losses.

The saffron leaders further alleged that the farmers are getting Rs 4,000 under the Kalia scheme instead of Rs 10,000 as promised before the 2019 elections.

BJP state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan claimed that farmers are forced to sell their paddy at Rs 1,250 per quintal against the MSP of Rs 2,040 per quintal due to irregularities and collusion between government and millers.

Though there is dearth of cold storage, the state government has failed to take any initiative in this regard, he claimed.

The senior BJP leader alleged that due to the “dilly-dallying” attitude and negligence of the state government, farmers have not been able to receive their claims under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY).

Accusing the State Government of not giving input subsidies to farmers since 2018, he said the government is not even assessing crop damage caused due to drought, floods and cyclones.

Though the farmers constitute a major section of the population and play a significant role in ensuring food security, they are suffering in Odisha due to the “anti-farmer” policy of the NJD government, Harichandan alleged.

The BJP leader warned that the party will take its agitation to every nook and corner of the state if the BJD government fails to safeguard the interests of farmers and give them justice.