The BJP had decided to woo the farmers ahead of the 2019 Lok sabha Polls. According to various media reports, the government is contemplating several incentives, including a big financial package.
The BJP tilt towards farmers issue has become important after the party lost power – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh , Chhattisgarh. Primarily for ignoring the plight of the farmers.
Agriculture Ministry has prepared a road map and made a presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting both short and long term ‘sustainable’ solutions to various issues that are impacting farmers and causing agricultural distress in the country.
BJP president Amit Shah had met Modi earlier to discuss the farmers’ issues.
The ministry has reportedly has studied various state models, including loan waiver announced in seven states, input subsidy being given in states such as Odisha and the ‘Rythu Bandhu’ scheme of Telangana, among others.
However, the government bid to woo the farming community did not impress senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram who tweeted
Eight months’ revenue collection is less than 50% of target, fiscal deficit is 115% of estimate.
Where is the money for the new plan?— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 27, 2018