Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Spokesperson and MLA Neeraj Singh Lodhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Congress over its agitation on farmer issues, saying the party should apologise to farmers for its betrayal and broken promises rather than staging protests. Speaking to media at party’ Divisional Office, he said the same Congress that once ordered bullets on 24 farmers in Multai is today trying to project itself as a farmer-friendly party. Lodhi alleged that the 15-month Kamal Nath Government promised loan waivers but turned lakhs of farmers into defaulters. He added that Congress shelved the Swaminathan Commission recommendations for years, while PM Modi implemented them after 2014, ensuring farmers received better MSP. During Congress’ 55-year rule, wheat MSP rose by only Rs 500, whereas PM Modi increased it by nearly Rs 1,300 in just 12 years.

 

He highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is the only State offering an extra Rs 40 bonus per quintal over the national wheat MSP of Rs 2,585, making the effective rate Rs 2,625. Over 80 lakh tonnes of wheat slots have already been booked and procurement is progressing rapidly. He further said MP is also the only state where farmers receive Rs 12,000 annually Rs 6,000 each from the Centre and state under Kisan Samman Nidhi. Over 32 lakh farmers are availing zero percent interest crop loans, with the Government set to disburse over Rs 25,000 crore this year against a mere Rs 700 crore at 17 percent interest during the Congress era. Noting Madhya Pradesh’s agricultural transformation, he said the state once a wheat importer under Congress now exports to over 47 countries and has won the Krishi Karman Award seven times. He challenged Congress State President Jeetu Patwari to present his party’s 15-month Government report card before the public before levelling allegations against BJP.