Amid Maha Floods, Congress Slams Modi Govt Over Farmers’ Plight

In a sharp critique on October 22, the Congress party accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of fabricating a positive economic narrative while neglecting the harsh realities faced by India’s farmers. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted that market prices for crops like maize, soybean, moong, arhar, cotton, and bajra remain well below the minimum support price (MSP), exacerbating farmers’ struggles.

“The PM and his colleagues are trying to manufacture a bullish sentiment on the economy. They are simply running away from the bearish reality that stares farmers across the country,” Ramesh posted on X, sharing a chart illustrating the MSP-market price disparity. He emphasized the need for a legal guarantee on MSP, a long-standing demand from farmers’ organizations, previously endorsed by former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

This criticism intensifies amid devastating floods in Maharashtra, where heavy rains have caused massive crop losses, turning the festive season into a “black Diwali” for farmers. Opposition parties, including Congress and the NCP(SP), have condemned the BJP-led state government’s inadequate response.

NCP(SP) state president Shashikant Shinde accused the government of “burning the hopes and aspirations” of farmers through insufficient relief. Party workers staged hunger strikes outside district collectorates on Dhanteras eve to protest the lack of support.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar pointed out that while the Devendra Fadnavis government announced a Rs 31,000 crore relief package, only Rs 1,800 crore has been disbursed so far. “This translates into just Rs 10,000 per hectare, a paltry amount that hardly addresses the losses sustained by farmers,” he said. Wadettiwar also criticized the shift of agricultural produce market committees (APMCs) under the state marketing minister, warning it could lead to exploitation.

He highlighted procurement issues, noting that cotton farmers await approval from the Cotton Corporation of India due to restrictive conditions, while soybean prices remain “abysmally low.” Wadettiwar cited a farmer who invested Rs 66,000 in onions (on 1 acre land), only to lose most to rain, salvaging 750 kg and earning just Rs 664 after transport costs. “The Modi government had promised to double farmers’ income, but has left them in this dire situation,” Congress noted on X.

The party called for stronger interventions, including legal MSP guarantees and better calamity support. Ramesh’s remarks underscore protein-rich crops like arhar, moong, and soybean being undervalued, contrasting with ICMR reports on Indians’ low protein intake.

As Maharashtra’s farmers grapple with economic distress, Congress’s accusations highlight systemic failures. The floods have devastated livelihoods, with inadequate relief exacerbating poverty. Experts warn that without reforms, rural economies could collapse, affecting food security nationwide.

Congress demands immediate action: honor MSPs, expedite relief, and ensure fair procurement. “Farmers are the backbone of India; ignoring their plight undermines the nation’s foundation,” Ramesh asserted. With elections looming, the debate intensifies, urging policymakers to prioritize agriculture over rhetoric.