The BJD on Monday intensified its protest over the Central Government’s decision to increase the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy by a mere Rs 80 per quintal for the current financial year and staged demonstrations across the State.
Alleging gross negligence by the BJP-led Central Government towards the plight of the farmers in the State, BJD workers led by MlAs Bijay Mohanty and Priyadarshi Mishra along with other leaders staged a demonstration in front of the Panchayat Samiti Office in Bhubaneswar.
The party would continue its two-hour-long protest in front of the block offices across the State till July 18, said the protestors.
In other districts, similar demonstrations were also held before the respective block offices protesting against the meagre hike of paddy MSP; and the agitators submitted memorandums addressed to the Governor to local authorities.
The BJD had earlier announced to launch a week-long State-wide protest over the mere Rs 80-per quintal hike in the paddy MSP alleging that during the 2014 general elections the BJP had promised to double the MSP based on the recommendation of the Swaminathan Committee report, but the Modi Government betrayed the farmers after coming
to power.
Notably, the State Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution during its last session demanding a hike in the paddy MSP to Rs 2,930 per quintal.
A House Committee chaired by the Speaker had also sought an appointment to meet the Prime Minister to present the demand for consideration. However, it is alleged that the PM did not spare time for them.