BJD Bets on Farm Unrest to Reclaim Rural Ground in Odisha
Two years after losing power in Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has initiated a series of statewide agitations targeting the BJP government over escalating farmer distress, a critical issue that significantly contributed to the BJP's rise in the state. As a predominantly agrarian region where over 80% of the population relies on agriculture for livelihood, Odisha has witnessed BJD-led protests since February 2, culminating in a massive rally scheduled for February 24 in Bhubaneswar.
Allegations of Betrayal and Failed Promises
On Monday, BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, alleging widespread harassment of farmers at mandis and a failure to honor electoral commitments related to paddy procurement. "During the 2024 elections, as per point 2 of your party's manifesto, you made solemn commitments to farmers regarding enhanced minimum support price (MSP) and stopping katni-chhatni (illegal deductions during procurement). However, the ground reality across mandis tells a story of betrayal," Patnaik stated in his letter.
While in opposition, the BJP aggressively criticized the Patnaik government over farmer issues, promising an MSP of Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy—Rs 800 above the Centre-fixed price—which resonated strongly with the agricultural community. This pledge, along with cash assistance to women under the Subhadra scheme, was widely viewed as a key factor in the BJP's electoral victory.
Controversy Over Subsidy Caps and Procurement Delays
After assuming office, the BJP government approved both schemes. For the 2024-25 Kharif season, with the Centre fixing MSP at Rs 2,300 per quintal, the state announced an additional subsidy of Rs 800. However, Patnaik has accused the government of backtracking by capping this subsidy at 150 quintals per farmer. "This ceiling penalises productive farmers and contradicts the Sankalpa Patra (manifesto), which did not specify such restrictive limits," he emphasized.
The BJD has also raised concerns about rampant illegal deductions at mandis, harassment of farmers, and delays in procurement leading to distress sales. Citing "massive mismanagement," BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma claimed that procurement has stalled midway. "Against a Kharif procurement target of 73 lakh metric tonnes, only 41.96 lakh metric tonnes or 57% has been achieved so far. Of the 19.66 lakh registered farmers, only 9.65 lakh, or 49%, have been able to sell their paddy," he reported.
Government Response and Counterclaims
The state's Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department disputed these figures, asserting that 11.38 lakh farmers have sold 49.18 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to date. An official stated, "As Kharif procurement will continue till March, the target will be achieved without any hassle." Under the 2025-26 procurement policy, the government aims to procure 93 lakh metric tonnes of paddy—73 lakh during Kharif and 20 lakh during the Rabi season.
Strategic Political Moves and Farmer Reactions
The BJD's agitation is part of a broader strategy to revive its organizational strength ahead of the rural local body polls expected in January-February next year. A BJD leader explained, "As the issue concerns over 80% of the population, especially in rural areas, we will reach out to people to expose the government's failure." The party has commenced its protests in western Odisha, an agriculturally rich region considered a BJP stronghold.
Farmer organizations have also mobilized, with the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) observing a state-wide bandh on January 28 to protest alleged procurement mismanagement. Farmer leader Lingaraj from western Odisha highlighted delays in issuing tokens, forcing many into distress sales. "The government appears more focused on reducing the number of farmers eligible for procurement rather than streamlining the system," he noted, pointing to persistent illegal deductions due to miller dominance.
Rejecting these allegations, BJP state president Manmohan Samal defended the government's efforts. "The BJD, which could not give even Rs 100 per quintal as a bonus during its rule, cannot tolerate our government giving Rs 800 per quintal as input subsidy. The Opposition is trying to create confusion," he asserted.
