Kerala BJP and Chief Minister Unite in Appeal to Centre Over Paddy Bonus Cut
In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit has aligned with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in an urgent appeal to the Central government. The appeal concerns the Centre's decision to scrap the procurement bonus for paddy and wheat, a move that has sparked controversy in the state.
Centre's Decision and Kerala's Opposition
The Union government, citing surplus stocks, financial burdens, and sustainability concerns, recently urged states to review and consider discontinuing the bonus over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy and wheat. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Kerala's political leadership.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of the CPI(M)-led government strongly opposed the move, labeling the Centre's stand as 'bizarre' and asserting that it poses a direct challenge to farmers. He emphasized that his government stands firmly with paddy cultivators, highlighting the state's commitment to agricultural support.
BJP's Intervention and Unique State Considerations
In a notable turn of events, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging her to exclude Kerala from this decision. Chandrasekhar argued that Kerala's case should be considered separately due to its specific agricultural, ecological, and food security needs.
The letter stated, 'Inclusion of Kerala alongside surplus-producing states may not accurately reflect the situation in the state.' It detailed that paddy procurement in Kerala operates under a distinct framework shaped by unique agro-climatic conditions, small landholdings, declining production levels, and a primary focus on food security rather than surplus generation.
Kerala's Additional Bonus and Electoral Context
Significantly, the Kerala government provides an additional bonus of Rs 6.31 per kg for paddy procurement, which underscores the state's proactive approach to supporting farmers. This development comes at a critical juncture, just ahead of the Assembly polls in Kerala, adding a layer of political urgency to the issue.
By sharing the sentiments of the CPI(M) government, the BJP's appeal highlights a rare moment of bipartisan concern over agricultural policies in the state. The move is seen as an effort to address the pressing needs of Kerala's farming community amidst electoral pressures.
As the debate intensifies, stakeholders are closely watching how the Centre responds to this united appeal from Kerala's political spectrum, with potential implications for both agricultural sustainability and electoral dynamics in the region.
