Senior BJP leader R. Ashoka, also the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, criticized the Congress government in Karnataka for not releasing payments to farmers who sold ragi under the Centre’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme. Ashoka claimed that the state government has held back Rs 1,611 crore owed to over one lakh farmers in Karnataka, causing significant delays during the crucial monsoon season when farmers are preparing for sowing.
According to Ashoka, the pending payments under the MSP scheme include significant amounts owed to farmers in various districts like Tumakuru, Hassan, Mysuru, Chikkamagaluru, and Mandya. He accused the government of prioritizing extravagant events and activities over clearing dues owed to farmers, forcing them to borrow money for essential agricultural activities.
Ashoka warned that if the dues were not released promptly, the BJP would organize protests across the state in solidarity with farmers. He demanded the immediate release of the pending Rs 1,611 crore, emphasizing that governments mistreating farmers have faced political consequences in the long run.
